FINAL FAREWELL
Susanna Reid and Anton Du Beke pay respects to Robin Windsor at Strictly star’s funeral as family make rainbow tribute
The dancer was performing weeks before he was found dead
SUSANNA Reid, Lisa Riley and Anton Du Beke have paid their respects to Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor who is being laid to rest today.
The 44-year-old was found dead in a London hotel room last month.
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
The Latin and Ballroom icon had been performing on a cruise ship touring the world in the weeks leading up to his death.
Mourners are gathering in his home town of Ipswich, Suffolk, to say their final goodbyes.
Guests were asked to bring a rainbow umbrella for a "colourful celebration" of Robin's life.
Susanna Reid, ex-dance partner Kristina Rhianoff and Lisa Riley are among the mourners.
Read More Robin Windsor
Meanwhile Kevin Clifton and Janette Manara share posts online ahead of his final farewell.
Janette wrote: "Love you always", along with photos of her and Robin.
Meanwhile, former judge Arlene Phillips, wrote: "Wow. This photo touched my heart".
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.
Most read in Celebrity
“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.
Rachel Stevens looks loved up on holiday in rare picture with Dancing On Ice star boyfriend
"We thank you for respecting our continued privacy at this difficult time.”
Strictly star
Robin appeared on Strictly Come Dancing between 2010 and 2013 partnering with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Deborah Meaden.
He partnered with Sara Cox, Lisa Riley and Alison Hammond for Strictly Christmas Specials between 2013 and 2015.
He was forced to quit Strictly in 2014 following a back injury or "risk ending up in a wheelchair".
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."
Tragic end
In recent years, after struggling with his mental health, Robin had moved into motivational speaking and corporate team building.
But in 2021, he revealed he had been "cashless since the pandemic" and told how a mix-up left him with a £100,000 tax bill in 2015.
In the weeks before his death, the dancer was working on Fred Olsen's Cruise ship touring the world.
He shared smiling selfies from South Africa while entertaining holidaymakers.
Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice
Robin Windsor
While last pictures of Robin show him dancing on stage with his professional partner as it docked in Mozambique.
One of his last Instagram posts was a black and white mirror selfie which he captioned: "Hiding in the shadows."
The dancer was found dead in a London hotel room on February 19.
Strictly’s team paid tribute, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their “dear friend”.
Kristina Rihanoff said it was "an absolute tragedy he felt there was no way out".
Little champion
According to his website, Robin began dancing at age three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich.
In an interview with The Times, he revealed his mum worked at a petrol station to pay for his dance classes.
He said: "[She] gave me half what she earned for dance lessons. She gave up so much to help me fulfil my ambitions.
We once again thank everyone for the love and the memories shared of Robin
Family Statement
"I owe her everything."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Robin went on to represent England in numerous championships at home and abroad.
He also appeared in the stage shows Come What May, a tribute to Moulin Rouge, and Burn The Floor.
12
12
12
12
12