Last photo posted of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor shows him smiling on cruise just weeks before his death
ROBIN Windsor’s heartbreaking final public photo showed the star smiling on a cruise just weeks before his death.
The professional dancer, 44, has sadly passed away.
He was pictured for the final time in good spirits on a cruise in South Africa with friends.
In a post uploaded on February 4, by @MickyZanyComic, the image was captioned: “Another great cruise on the beautiful Bolette @fred.olsencruiselines with an amazing group of entertainers.
Thank you to @andy.god3 and @abbie.edwards9 and all the team on board for a brilliant three weeks in South Africa.”
It comes as Robin, who placed runner-up on the 2012 series of Strictly, shared a heartbreaking final post on social media days before he passed away.
He shared a photograph on Instagram with the caption: “Hiding in the shadows.”
Robin uploaded the post on January 28, earlier this year.
The following day, the Strictly star replied three love hearts to a tweet from Deborah Meaden on X/Twitter.
She penned: “11 years after we did @bbcstrictly together this happens and it is just lovely!! The wonderful @Robinwindsor and my Mum ( yep…87 years and amazing!!) meeting up in South Africa…don’t you just love it.”
Robin and the Dragons’ Den star reached week five on the show in 2013.
Tributes have poured in for Robin following the tragic announcement of his death.
Devastated Susanna Reid fought back tears as she learnt her Strictly partner had passed away, while live on GMB.
He had performed with newsreader in a special episode for Children In Need in 2011.
Paying tribute to the late star, Susanna Reid said: “He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.
“He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it.”
After the break, she continued: “I have wonderful memories of you, Robin. He was very sensual, wonderfully exuberant. Full of strength and creativity. He made me fall in love with dancing. He was a fabulous, phenomenal personality.”
It comes as...
- Co-star James Jordan leads tributes for dancing pro James Jordan
- The Strictly star posted on social media just days before he passed
- Inside Robin’s relationship with ex-boyfriend & X-Factor star Marcus Collins
- He was forced to quit Strictly ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’
Meanwhile, Strictly co-star James Jordan said: “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.”
Burn The Floor, an international Ballroom and Latin dance company co-founded by Robin, added: “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.”
A statement from Robin’s agent read: “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.”
Sisco Entertainment wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor.
“Robin’s presence in ‘Come What May’ was more than just a performance; it was an embodiment of passion, grace, and sheer talent. 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 performances 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. Though ‘Come What May’ will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light.”
Robin first appeared on the BBC series with Patsy Kensit in 2010, reaching week nine of the competition, before being eliminated at the same stage with Eastenders legend Anita Dobson two years later.
Away from Strictly, Robin also performed in the West End and on Broadway.
Robin’s big break came in 2001 when he was cast in the popular show Burn The Floor which toured around the world.
The dancer described losing his job on Strictly as “the worst thing that could have ever happened”, as his health battle was revealed.
He opened up about his forced exit due to needing an operation on his back.
Speaking at the time, he said: “Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year.
“It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
Robin also worked closely with the Sane Charity, a helpline which supports those struggling with their mental health.
He told the charity previously: “After four amazing years on the show, I suffered a bit of an accident on my back having to have surgery and I ended up losing my job on Strictly.
“That was probably the worst thing that could have ever happened to me because it took away what I loved the most. I loved being on Strictly more than anybody who was there.”