Robin Windsor's most memorable moments on Strictly Come Dancing
The former Strictly professional dancer has died aged 44
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Robin Windsor has tragically died aged 44, it was announced on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the ballroom floor.
Windsor helped found Burn the Floor, the company which has featured many of Strictly's pro dancers before they transitioned into the BBC series and beyond. It was the company who announced Windsor's passing, saying in a statement on Facebook: "His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation."
Read more: Emotional moment GMB’s Susanna Reid learns about death of Strictly partner Robin Windsor
The dancer appeared on the iconic BBC show for four years from series 8 to 11, partnering up with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden in that time. Windsor also appeared in three Christmas specials, as well as the show's Children In Need specials during his tenure.
A slipped disc injury meant he was forced to leave the series after series 12, but his time on the programme was a memorable one full of stunning dances that fans of the show can look back fondly on.
Robin Windsor's most memorable moments on Strictly Come Dancing
His partnership with Lisa Riley
Windsor's most successful year on Strictly was when he was partnered with actor and presenter Lisa Riley, and the pair got all the way to the semi-finals in 2012. Though they did not win, the duo won the heart's of the nation and were the people's favourite throughout their time on the show.
As a result, Windsor and Riley had a number of great moments together on the dancefloor from their upbeat Cha Cha Cha to Think and their delightful Foxtrot to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).
One of the pair's most joyful performances was their Samba to Car Wash, which they danced as part of that year's Blackpool special. The episode is an important and daunting one for any Strictly celebrity, but Windsor and Riley appeared at ease when they took to the floor, and they remained confident as they delivered a great routine under pressure and showed how fun it can be to dance.
Dancing with Anita Dobson
In 2011, Windsor was paired with actor Anita Dobson where they had several memorable dances like their American Smooth to I've Got You Under My Skin and their Charleston to I've Got Rhythm. Unfortunately, due to an injury that Windsor sustained, they were ultimately eliminated in week 9.
Read more: Strictly stars 'completely devastated' by Robin Windsor's death
The pair's best scored dance was their Argentine Tango, a notoriously difficult routine, which saw them earn a total of 33. Despite their score Windsor and Dobson landed in the bottom two, but with hindsight it still remains one of their best performances together.
Performing for Children in Need
Windsor helped use his dance skills for a good cause when he performed alongside Susanna Reid in 2011's edition of Children in Need, the pair took part in a Newsreaders special which also featured Emily Maitlis, Sophie Raworth, and Sian Williams, as well as Come Dancing host —and 2023 Strictly star— Angela Rippon.
Though it was a one-off performance it is still a highlight of Windsor's time on Strictly, and his partner Reid went on to appear on the programme in 2013 where she placed as a runner-up. Clearly her early experience dancing with Windsor paid off, and Reid was emotional when paying tribute to him on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday.
His partnership with Patsy Kensit
Windsor debuted on Strictly in 2010, where he was paired with celebrity Patsy Kensit. The pair had a good run together on the show, and ultimately placed seventh.
While Windsor and Kensit did not score as highly as the dancer went on to do with his other partners, they enjoyed some success with their Viennese Waltz to Anyone Who Had a Heart. The dance rightly earned them a total score of 32 thanks to their graceful and emotive performance on the ballroom floor, and it even received high praise from notoriously picky judge Craig Revel-Horwood.
His last bow with Deborah Meaden
Windsor's final year on Strictly saw him be paired with Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, they were eliminated from the competition in week five. Though their time was cut short, the duo's best performance was their Quickstep which earned them a score of 28.
