EX STRICTLY Come Dancing star Brendan Cole was left choking back tears as he paid tribute to former colleague Robin Windsor today.
The pro dancer made an impromptu appearance on Good Morning Britain this morning to join the dozens of professional performers and stars mourning Robin’s sudden death.
Robin, who appeared on Strictly from 2010 to 2015, was announced to have died early this morning (February 20th) at the age of 44.
He has since been remembered as highly-loved, energetic and kind-hearted by those that knew him.
Brendan appeared on Good Morning Britain via videolink to discuss the shocking death alongside pro dancer Erin Boag.
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“It's completely devastating,” Brendan said, before addressing host Susanna Reid and adding, “Condolences to you Susanna, you danced with him on one of the specials. You must have spent a lot of time with him.
“Erin and I spent many years on the dancefloor with him. It's really tragic. I'm a little bit in shock.”
Susanna, who performed with Robin for a Children in Need special back in 2011, found out live on air about her friend’s passing moments before the segment.
In shock over the news, she eventually asked Ed Balls to read out the breaker as she struggled to come to terms with it on air.
She later said: "Robin was larger than life and I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then," she said. "He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, incredibly strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.
"He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something very special about him."
Robin and Susanna had partnered up for a special Strictly episode for Children In Need in 2011.
Lisa Riley, who was partnered with Robin for her Strictly stint in 2012, was also similarly heartbroken, sharing a series of intimate pics of the pair giggling during their time together on the show.
"My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel…….now our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart," she wrote.
"I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. SHINE IN PEACE."
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During his time on the show, Robin also partnered with model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson and Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden.
However he got furthest in the competition with Lisa, with the pair making it to the finale before coming in second place.
Robin - known affectionately as ‘Bobby’ to pals - had been a lifelong dancer, and had been travelling the world with performance troupes including Burn The Floor.
Robin's spokesperson confirmed his death and said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
“Robin's dancing started from a very young age and never stopped. He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun.
“He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance. Strictly Come Dancing, Burn The Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country who he gave his time.”
'Robin was a strong advocate for mental health and worked closely with the Sane Charity,” they added.
“The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today. We ask for the family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”
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