Brendan Cole fought back tears as he paid tribute to his former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Robin Windsor after his death aged 44.
The professional dancer, 47, appeared via phone on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain along with fellow pro dancer Erin Boag.
Speaking with hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, Brendan admitted he was ‘in shock’ at the news of Robin’s passing.
He said: ‘It’s completely devastating. Condolensces 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.’
Brendan Cole fought back tears as he paid tribute to his former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Robin Windsor after his death aged 44
Brendan was a pro dancer on Strictly from series one to series 18 and worked with Robin (pictured) throughout his tenure on the show from 2010 to 2015
Brendan was a pro dancer on Strictly from series one to series 18 and worked with Robin throughout his tenure on the show from 2010 to 2015.
Susanna also became emotional when she announced Robin’s death earlier in the show.
Announcing the news live on air, Susanna struggled to get the words out and asked her co-host Ed Balls to help.
She said: ‘We have some very sad news to break. A much loved member of the Strictly Come Dancing family… I’m sorry I’m not going to be able to read this Ed because I danced with… it’s about Robin Windsor.’
Ed then read out a statement from dance show company Burn The Floor confirming Robin’s death.
Susanna, who danced with Robin for Strictly Children In Need, described him as ‘larger than life’.
She said: ‘I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then. He was a remarkable dancer, incredible strong, so creative. He was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.
‘He was the most incredible personality and as soon as I danced with him, there was something very special about him.’
Susanna also became emotional when she announced Robin’s death earlier in the show
The professional dancer was partnered up with Sussanna for the BBC’s Children In Need special
Announcing his death live on air, Susanna struggled to get the words out and asked her co-host Ed Balls to help
Ed, who took part on Strictly in 2016, added: ‘I was never on the show at the same time as him but his reputation long outlived his tenure on that show.
‘There will be very many people who are finding it hard to react or even speak and I think Susanna is one of those.’
Joining Susanna and Ed was Good Morning Britain’s entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold who got to know Robin when he did Strictly in 2012.
Richard also became overcome with emotion discussing Robin as he struggled to get his words out.
He said: ‘I can’t quite believe it actually. Such heart, such a talent. I just can’t quite… it’s a bit of a shock.’
Richard added that Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley would be ‘devastated’ by the news of Robin’s death as she danced him on Strictly that year.
Susanna went on to say she has ‘wonderful memories’ of Robin.
‘Back in 2011, I was lucky enough to dance with Robin Windsor. He was a very special dancer – very sensual, wonderfully exuberant, endlessly enthusiastic, full of strength and creativity and sparkle.
‘He made me fall in love with dancing. Anyone who watched Robin Windsor dance on Strictly or Burn the Floor, or his other shows would have fallen in love with dance. He was just a fabulous, phenomenal personality.’
Robin also partnered with model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden during his stint at the show.
Susanna, who danced with Robin for Strictly Children In Need, described him as ‘larger than life’ with an ‘incredible personality’
Entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold also became overcome with emotion discussing Robin as he struggled to get his words out
Richard said Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley would be ‘devastated’ by the news of Robin’s death as she danced him on Strictly in 2012
The Suffolk-born star also performed with This Morning host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas Special.
Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan led the tributes, posting on X: ‘I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly. Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend.’
Robin, who started dancing at the age of three, was an original member of dance show Burn The Floor, who paid tribute to the star on their official website in the wake of his shock death.
Their statement read: ‘Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor – who has tragically passed away.
‘A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world.
‘His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual.
‘His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever’.
Robin also partnered with model Patsy Kensit , EastEnders legend Anita Dobson and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden during his stint at the show
Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor during Strictly Come Dancing launch event at the BBC Studios back in 2011
Strictly Come Dancing’s James Jordan led tributes and said that Robin was ‘adored’ by everyone
The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer was best known for his appearances on BBC ‘s Strictly Come Dancing for five years between 2010-2015
Robin’s spokesperson said in a statement: ‘It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
‘Robins 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 Cone 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.’
‘The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today. We ask for the family’s privacy at this very difficult time.’
Robin’s ex-boyfriend, X Factor star Marcus Collins, also paid tribute to the late dancer in a heartfelt post on Instagram.
After Robin’s passing was announced on Tuesday morning, Collins took to Instagram to share a montage of snaps with the dancer.
He captioned the snaps: ‘The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin You were so loved.
The couple began dating after Collins reached out to the dancer to compliment his physique on the cover of Gay Times.
Founder of Burn the Floor and friend of Robin, Harley Medcalf, said: ‘We have lost a beautiful friend, Robin Windsor, Bobby, one of the founding members of the Burn the Floor family.
‘Robin has passed away in England. A generous, extremely talented dancer, full of energy, life and love.
‘His stage presence defined the Burn the Floor company. Whenever we visited London, Robin was always the first to call, always there to support, celebrate, laugh and cry together.
‘In the photo attached a highly emotional Robin was just off stage after his last performance with Burn The Floor Reunion Tour in Birmingham in 2022.’
‘Our hearts are broken he will be greatly missed by all his friends, family and fans around the world.’
Performance arts theatre Burn The Floor, where Robin danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing
Fans and friends flooded X with tributes to the late dancer
Tributes poured in for Robin on Tuesday with Strictly’s Amy Dowden describing him as a ‘kind, talented soul’ while Karen Hauer called him a ‘beautiful human being’
Robin’s ex-boyfriend, X Factor star Marcus Collins, also paid tribute to the late dancer in a heartfelt post on Instagram (pictured together in 2015)
Sisco Entertainment, a company that produces stage shows, also paid tribute to Robin following the tragic news.
In a statement given to BBC News, they said: ‘His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
‘Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and peerformances 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.’
From the age of three, Bobby studied Latin and Ballroom and his talent and commitment to his vocation took him to the highest level of competition where he won numerous World Championships.
Bobby debuted in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 alongside professional partner Kristina Rihanoff – a long-term relationship which saw them dance all over the world.
Burn The Floor, where Robin danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing.
Fellow dancer Giselle Rojas Peacock wrote: ‘I was shocked to find out today we lost another Dancer and Friend Robin Jamie Windsor.
‘This one hits home as we had so many years dancing performing and touring together all over the world in Burn the Floor.
‘One of the original members and poster boy of Burn, Bobby was so loved by everyone, the sweetest human. Just like a massive teddy bear.
‘You light up the stage with such an energy and it was always a pleasure to dance with you.
‘We had so many laughs, tears, highs and lows together and even though life took us in separate directions and the lord has taken you to soon, I think all us will cherish so many memories with you in them.
‘RIP my good friend. My heart breaks today for all who loved you. And there were many.’
Strictly choreographer Patrick Helm said Robin was unaware of how much he meant to people.
He wrote: ‘I don’t even know how to find the words to this post. I will dearly miss you Robin Windsor
‘This one is hitting me hard and too close to home.
‘My deepest condolences go to your family and everyone who knew you! You were another one who was loved by so many but couldn’t see it himself.
‘May you finally be free and find piece
‘RIP Bobby.’
Robin Windsor and Deborah Meaden on Strictly Come Dancing
Robin Windsor’s last post on Instagram which was captioned, ‘hiding in the shadows’
Robin was previously engaged to ex-partner Davide Cini and proposed on a romantic New York helicopter ride in 2013 before splitting years later.
He dated former Strictly contestant Marcus Collins.
In 2018, Robin opened up about his struggle with depression while he featured on Strictly Come Dancing, saying: ‘We all have dark days but I was having dark weeks.
‘I would end up not getting out of bed for four or fives days at a time, as far as everyone was concerned I was ‘happy Robin’ – expect to the people I lived with.’
Robin also experienced mental health issues when he suffered two huge setbacks, losing his job on Strictly and splitting with his fiancé.
He said: ‘I was still on Strictly at the time it started – it was really bad.
‘A lot of things happened at the same time, quite bad things, which set it in motion.
‘My injury, a financial situation, my engagement [to Davide] had ended and I lost my job on Strictly all at the same time so it took its toll.’
