Strictly stars' heartbreaking tributes to Robin Windsor as he's laid to rest

26 March 2024 , 19:44

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Strictly Come Dancing stars pay tribute to Robin Windsor as dancer laid to rest (Image: Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing stars have paid tribute to Robin Windsor as the late professional dancer was laid to rest.

A private funeral for Robin, who died last month aged 44, was held on Tuesday in his home town of Ipswich, Suffolk. He was paired with a host of celebrities when he appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC competition from 2010 to 2013, including Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden.

Janette Manrara, former Strictly professional dancer turner host of spin-off It Takes Two, shared a selection of photos to Instagram of her and Windsor smiling together as she hugged him. Alongside the post she wrote “love you always” and former Strictly judge Dame Arlene Phillips said the photo “touched my heart”.

Kevin Clifton, who was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing from 2013 to 2019, also posted a black-and-white photo of Windsor to social media on the day of his funeral. He simply commented “Robin” with a broken heart emoji as he paid tribute to his former co-star.

Lisa Riley, who was seen attending Windsor's funeral today, took to Instagram to pay her respects online to her former dance partner. Riley, who danced with Windsor on the BBC series in 2012, shared a snap of herself and Windsor, captioning it: "I LOVE YOU, for always and forever. VELCRO FOR LIFE."

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Lisa Riley shared this picture on Instagram as she attended Robin Windsor's funeral today (Instagram)

A family statement previously said the private service would be for “invited family, friends and colleagues who were important to Robin in both his personal life and professional career”. It added: “In the meantime we once again thank everyone for the love and the memories shared of Robin. As a family we also please ask for there to be no further upsetting speculation. We thank you for respecting our continued privacy at this difficult time.”

During his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Robin also danced with model Patsy Kensit, actresses Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley on the BBC One series. For the Christmas specials, he was partnered with The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in 2015 and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox.

Susanna Reid also took part in 2011’s Children In Need special with the Latin and ballroom dancer. Robin's death was announced in February and Strictly’s team paid tribute, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their “dear friend”.

According to his website, he began dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich and he went on to represent England in numerous championships at home and abroad. Windsor also appeared in the stage shows Come What May, a tribute to Moulin Rouge, and Burn The Floor.

Zoe Delaney