The funeral of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor was held today in Ipswich following his sad death last month.
The much-loved professional dancer was found dead in a London hotel room in February at the age of 44, just days after returning from a dream holiday to South Africa. The shock news sparked an outpouring of grief from Robin's Strictly co-stars and celebrity partners over the years.
A month on from the tragic news of his death, Robin's family released a statement sharing plans for his burial on Sunday. They explained the late star would be laid to rest at a private funeral which will be followed by a celebration of his life. The family also thanked fans for sharing their love and memories of Robin in recent weeks.
Susanna was in tears as she watched Robin's coffin arrive (w8media)
Stars wore their brightest outfits as they joined to say a final farewell to Robin (w8media)They said in the statement: "On Tuesday 26th March we will lay our beloved Robin to rest in his home town of Ipswich. The funeral will be a private service for invited family, friends and colleagues who were important to Robin in both his personal life and professional career.
"At a future date we welcome the opportunity for an invite only celebration of his life. In the meantime we once again thank everyone for the love and the memories shared of Robin."
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Today, friends of the star included joined Robin's family and loved ones to say their final goodbye to the professional dancer. Those in attendance included Susanna Reid, Anton Du Beke, Robin's ex dance partner Anna Kennedy, Karen Clifton, AJ and his wife, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden as they all joined to mark their respects.
Lisa Riley attended Robin's funeral (w8media)
Anton Du Beke wore a grey suit to Robin's funeral (w8media)It's likely that Robin's family asked attendees to wear colour in celebration of his colourful life as Susanna arrived to the church with a rainbow umbrella, while other famous friends of Robin's wore loud and daring ensembles to pay their last respects to the Strictly Come Dancing star.
News of Robin's death was announced on 20th February. A statement from Sisco Entertainment, which represented him in various areas of theatre and corporate entertainment, said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor." They went on: "His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
Robin Windsor died at the age of 44 last month“Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth. His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless.
"His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed," they added: "Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light."
His passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and his fellow Strictly professionals and former dance partners including Alison Hammond and Lorraine Kelly. Robin's former co-star Kristina Rihanoff praised his kindness and loyalty in a heartfelt post, as she also spoke of the star's battle with his mental health, which he had also bravely shared with fans.
Robin had a silver glitter coffin at his funeral (w8media)"He was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our careers highlights to hitting Rockbottom of rejection," she told fans. The dancer continued: "When I got partnered with him on Strictly I was blown away by his kindness, lighthearted personality and amazing loyalty.
"He had stood by me through many rough times during Strictly for which I am deeply grateful for as there was no one else to lean on. Many of you, who went to see his farewell tour, know perfectly well that he spoke very openly about his mental health struggles and thoughts of a suicide.
Each one of Robin's guests wore a colourful ensemble (w8media)
Strictly's Karen looked devastated as she arrived at Robin's funeral (w8media)"I'm sure it was devastating for anyone who love Robin to hear something like that, but those thoughts were in his head for quite many years and it's so deeply sad that he felt that he is better to another place rather than stay here. Too much pain too much disappointment, too much neglect."
In a heartfelt tribute, Strictly Come Dancing released a statement, in which they praised the "caring and kind" star. It read: "The whole Strictly Come Dancing family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor. He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time."
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Each of Robin's guests were given a rainbow umbrella on the day (w8media)Robin first joined the BBC staple in 2010 and was paired with Patsy Kensit but left four years later due to injury which rendered him unable to compete. The professional dancer explained he had “no choice” in the matter but after speaking up on his struggles with mental health and money, he opened his own firm offering corporate motivational speaking services and corporate team building.
Robin recalled back in 2022: “Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year. It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
* If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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