LIFE-CHANGING
Robin Windsor was forced to quit Strictly ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’ as dancing pro’s health battle revealed
The pro dancer previously opened up about the emotional impact of losing his job on the show
ROBIN Windsor was forced to quit Strictly or "risk ending up in a wheelchair", it has emerged.
The 44-year-old BBC star previously opened up about his exit from the show, before his tragic death.
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Robin left Strictly in 2014, claiming bosses had axed him following a "horrible back operation".
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."
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Talking about when the horror injury happened, Robin explained he had "slipped a disc in [his] back", adding that "the nerve was exposed, causing agonising pains shooting down [his] leg".
He said: “I was paralysed on the floor of my friend's house as the pain was so bad. I was there for three or four days.
“I couldn't risk going ahead. It was a heartbreaking decision but I had no choice.
"If the slipped disc had popped out while I was dancing, I could have ended up with permanent nerve damage and been in a wheelchair.”
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The tragic dance pro worked closely with the charity Sane, a helpline which supports those struggling with their mental health.
He opened up to the charity about the emotional impact of "losing his job".
Devastated Susanna Reid fights back tears as she learns Strictly partner Robin Windsor has died live on GMB
He told Sane: "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."
Robin said he found it difficult to watch the show after his departure.
The star also previously revealed he had battled with depression from the age of 19.
He said: "I know we all have our dark days, but my dark days turned into dark weeks and I wouldn’t get out of bed.
"I didn’t really understand why I was feeling like that or how to get out of that state."
During his time on the show, Robin was paired with the likes of Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden.
Paying tribute, 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."
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'
- Susanna Reid fought back tears on today's Good Morning Britain after learning of the death
- Photos show Robin smiling on cruise just weeks before his passing
Lisa, who was partnered up with Robin in 2012, took to Instagram to share an emotional message and wrote: "My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel…….now our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart, I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. SHINE IN PEACE."
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."
'LIT UP THE ROOM'
A statement from Robin's agent read: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
"Robin's 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 Come 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."
'HEAVY HEARTS'
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."
FINAL POST
Robin, who finished runner-up on the 2012 series of the BBC show, shared a heartbreaking post on social media days before his death.
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.
The dancer previously opened up about how he found love with X-Factor star Marcus Collins after taking advice from Meaden.
Robin and Marcus began chatting on Twitter, which led to a three-year relationship.
Marcus spotted a snap of Robin on the cover of Gay Times, posted on on the social media app, and decided to tweet him.
At the time, Robin explained: “Marcus Tweeted me to say ‘You’re looking really good, well done’!
“We’d first met at ITV studios a few years ago, when I passed Marcus in the corridor and asked for a photo because he was very handsome.
"From then on there was no contact whatsoever til I appeared on the GT cover.
“After my last relationship ended I was on the rebound and on the warpath thinking, I must find a boyfriend.
"Deborah Meaden told me to get myself together, concentrate on work, forget about men, and enjoy life. As soon as I did that, Marcus came along.”
Marcus has since paid tribute to his ex-partner in a heartfelt message.
"The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin You were so loved," he wrote on Instagram underneath a picture of the pair.
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.
He was enrolled at a local dance school in Ipswich aged three, going on to study Ballroom and Latin dance before representing England at international level.
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Robin's big break came in 2001 when he was cast in the popular show Burn The Floor which toured around the world.
He spent his time between London with his dog Lukaz and in St Lucia at The Body Holiday resort.
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