Susanna Reid became emotional as she announced the death of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.
The professional dancer, who died at the age of 44, was best known for his appearances on the show for five years between 2010-2015.
Announcing his death live on air, Susanna struggled to get the words out and asked her co-host Ed Balls to help out.
She said: ‘We have some very sad news to break. A much loved member of the Strictly Come Dancing family because on their Facebook page today… 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 Burn The Floor confirming Robin’s death.
Susanna Reid became emotional as she announced the death of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday
The professional dancer, who died at the age of 44, was best known for his appearances on the show for five years between 2010-2015
Susanna, who danced with Robin on the Strictly live tour when she took part in the show in 2013, 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 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.’
Robin partnered with model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, Loose Woman Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden during his stint at the show.
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.’
Windsor, 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.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor has died at the age of 44
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 Windsor 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 Windsor and Deborah Meaden on Strictly Come Dancing
‘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’.
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.’
Robin Windsor’s last post on Instagram which was captioned, ‘hiding in the shadows’
‘Our hearts are broken he will be greatly missed by all his friends, family and fans around the world.’
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.
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.
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 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.’
