“Strictly Come Dancing” Stars Honor Robin Windsor’s Life

Members of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing cast paid tribute to the late professional dancer Robin Windsor’s life during a performance, where judge Anton Du Beke characterized him as “a human glitterball”. Windsor, a native of Ipswich, passed away in February at the age of 44. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. The event, titled Robin Windsor: The Final Act, was held on Sunday at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane and featured Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley, who had been Windsor’s celebrity partner on the program in 2012. During his introduction to the performance, Du Beke drew a comparison between Windsor and the iconic shimmering Strictly trophy. Riley further expressed her wish that the dancer would “shine down on us all and keep shining in heaven”. The evening’s arrangements were made with assistance from dancers Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis, and with the consent of Windsor’s family. All proceeds from the event are designated for the mental health charity Sane, an organization Windsor supported as an ambassador during his tenure on the BBC One program from 2010 to 2013. Former Strictly contestant Deborah Meaden, who was partnered with Windsor in 2013, also made an appearance. Additional notable figures who participated in the show included singer and actor Marisha Wallace, professional dancers Joanne Clifton and Vincent Simone, and singer Lance Ellington. The performance concluded with a video montage chronicling Windsor’s life, from his early years to his career as a Strictly dancer. He began his dance training at the Ipswich School of Dance when he was three years old. In tribute to Windsor, Sane conducted a silent auction to generate funds for its initiatives. Following the event, Riley stated: “The important message is to keep talking and look out for your friends.” Du Beke further commented: “Fellas don’t talk and tend to keep it to themselves. Get it out lads – speak to Sane.” Throughout his tenure on Strictly, Windsor’s partners included Patsy Kensit and Anita Dobson, in addition to Riley. He also secured a victory in the 2011 Children In Need special alongside presenter Susanna Reid. Furthermore, he was partnered with Alison Hammond and Sara Cox for Strictly Christmas specials. He holds the unique distinction of being the only individual to have performed on Broadway, the West End, and Strictly Come Dancing within the same calendar year. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.