Robin Windsor’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars have paid tribute to him on the day of his funeral, weeks after he was found dead in a London hotel.
Kevin Clifton and Janette Manrara both shared sweet posts dedicated to the late dancer as stars from the world of ballroom say a final farewell.
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images where she was cuddled up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji.
Alongside the photographs of herself and Robin, Janette wrote: ‘Love you always.’
The funeral, which is being held in his hometown of Ipswich, will be a ‘colourful celebration of his life’ and will feature ’emotional and beautiful dance performances.’
Robin Windsor’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars have paid tribute to him on the day of his funeral, weeks after he was found dead in a London hotel
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images where she was cuddled up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji
Robin’s family requested that his funeral is a ‘private’ affair, as his loved ones gather to honour his life.
A family statement said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Celebrities such as Susanna Reid, Lisa Riley, and Kristina Rhianoff are expected to attend, as well as his final professional dancer, Gordana Grandosek.
One friend of Robin who was found dead aged 44, said: ‘Robin was so loved. The outpouring of grief following the tragic news of his death just showed just how much he meant to everyone in his life.
‘He was always such a larger than life character, fun to be around but always so open and honest about everything he was going through.
‘His greatest love was dancing so when they started planning his funeral everyone agreed that there had to be a performance that would be a beautiful tribute to everything he achieved in his career.
‘It’s going to be a very emotional day but everyone just wants to do Robin proud.’
Shortly before his death, Windsor had spent time in South Africa where he performed on a luxurious cruise ship with Grandosek – a Slovenian ballroom star.
Details of how he died have not yet been disclosed but he spoke openly about his struggles with his mental health and he’d been in a dark place before leaving London and was putting off returning.
He told a friend that he didn’t want to come home to the UK following an undisclosed incident over the New Year period.
Windsor was ousted from Strictly in 2013 after injuring his back while doing a lift at a party in Blackpool where the show films during each series.
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff – his close friend and former Strictly co-star hinted that he may have taken his own life.
She wrote on Facebook: ‘There are no words to express the pain.
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff – his close friend and former Strictly co-star hinted that he may have taken his own life
The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, pictured in October last year, was found dead in a London hotel aged 44
Robin was previously in a relationship with Marcus Collins, right, a X-Factor finalist mentored by Gary Barlow – the couple had planned to marry but split in 2015
‘Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our career highlights to hitting rock bottom of rejection.
‘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 suicide.
‘I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loves Robin to hear that, but those thoughts were in his head for many years… Too much pain, too much disappointment, too much neglect.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
