Robin Windsor revealed he was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing 'or face being in a wheelchair' after 'horrible back operation' - as stars pay tribute to dancer after his death

Robin Windsor was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’ after a nightmare back injury – as news of the star’s death was announced today.

The beloved professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, who was best known for his appearances on Strictly between 2010-2015, has died aged 44 – with tributes from across the world pouring out this morning.

Windsor, who started dancing at the age of three and was one of the founding members of dance show Burn The Floor, ‘lit up any room he walked into’, his representatives said as they confirmed his death today.

The dancing star was forced to give up his role on Strictly due to the agonising pain off a back injury left him paralysed for three 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,’ the late star previously said.

Robin Windsor was forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’ after a nightmare back injury

The beloved professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, who was best known for his appearances on Strictly between 2010-2015 which saw him dancing with the likes of Deborah Meaden (pictured), has died aged 44 – with tributes from across the world pouring out this morning

Opening up about his health battle at the time, Windsor continued: ‘I have a slipped disc in my back and the nerve is exposed, causing agonising pains shooting down my leg.

‘A week ago 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.’

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor posted black and white photo captioned ‘hiding in the shadows’ on Instagram weeks before his shock death aged 44 – as devastated stars pay tribute to beloved dancer

Robin, who was paired with Deborah Meaden, had to skip several stage shows owing to crippling back pain.

He had six cortisone injections and did a series of gigs this summer with Kristina Rihanoff, above.

Robin told TV Biz: ‘Injuries go hand in hand with working as a dancer. I have to listen to my body.

It has now emerged that Windsor’s last post on Instagram, shared on January 28, was of the dancer taking a mirror selfie wearing a black vest, with the caption: ‘Hiding in the shadows.’

Tributes have poured in underneath the star’s tragic last post, with one fan writing: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the news. Have followed him for years since Strictly, an amazing talent. RIP.’

Another added: ‘So sad & shocked. Just a couple of weeks ago I was dancing in his arms for 90mins as I didn’t have a partner in a cha cha cha class. A gentleman. A gentle man. A magical day for me. Sending love to his friends and family RIP.’

A third posted: ‘No longer in the shadows but in the light.’

A fourth also said: ‘This was not the news I wanted to wake up to this morning. Rip Robin.’

Robin Windsor’s last post on Instagram which was captioned, ‘hiding in the shadows’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor has died at the age of 44

Windsor is pictured with TV presenter Susanna Reid on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2011

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor dies aged 44

Windsor partnered with model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, Loose Woman Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden during his stint at the show.

The Suffolk-born star also performed with This Morning host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas Special.

A heartbroken Susanna Reid, who partnered with Windsor on Strictly for Children in Need in 2011, fought back tears on today’s Good Morning Britain after learning of the dancer’s death.

After co-host Ed Balls announced the tragic news on Good Morning Britain, Reid told viewers: ‘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.’

Strictly Come Dancing’s James Jordan led tributes and said that Windsor was ‘adored’ by everyone

Fans were quick to share their condolences after hearing the news of Windsor’s passing

Former Strictly dancer James Jordan’s full tweet read on X: ‘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.’

Strictly professional James Jordan also paid tribute, posting on X: ‘You will be missed old friend.’

Windsor, who started dancing at the age of three, was an original member of dance show Burn The Floor, who announced the star’s shock death on their official website.

Their statement read: ‘Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor – who has tragically passed away.

‘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’.

From the age of three, Windsor studied Latin and Ballroom and his talent and commitment to his vocation took him to the highest level of competition where he won numerous World Championships.

He joined the cast of show Burn The Floor in 2001 and toured the world for 10 years, with a nine-month run on Broadway.

He got his TV break on Strictly in 2010 but was forced to pull out of the series in 2014 due to a slipped disc which left him paralysed for four days. While he never won the Glitterball Trophy, he came seventh with Patsy Kensit and Anita Dobson.

Windsor also appeared in Dancing With The Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands and assisted in the choreography for the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance, as well as acting as a motivational speaker.

Windsor’s representatives told MailOnline: ‘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.

‘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.

A heartbroken Susanna Reid , who partnered with Windsor on Strictly in 2011, fought back tears on today’s Good Morning Britain after learning of the dancer’s death

Entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold also became overcome with emotion discussing Robin as he struggled to get his words out

Robin Windsor and Deborah Meaden on Strictly Come Dancing

Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor during Strictly Come Dancing launch event at the BBC Studios back in 2011

The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer was best known for his appearances on BBC ‘s Strictly Come Dancing for five years between 2010-2015

Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor perform a dance on a ‘Burn The Floor’ show in 2013

‘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.’

Founder of Burn the Floor and friend of Robin, Harley Medcalf, said: ‘We have lost a beautiful friend, Robin Windsor, Bobby, one of the founding members of the Burn the Floor family.

‘Robin has passed away in England. A generous, extremely talented dancer, full of energy, life and love.

‘His stage presence defined the Burn the Floor company. Whenever we visited London, Robin was always the first to call, always there to support, celebrate, laugh and cry together.

‘In the photo attached a highly emotional Robin was just off stage after his last performance with Burn The Floor Reunion Tour in Birmingham in 2022.’

‘Our hearts are broken he will be greatly missed by all his friends, family and fans around the world.’

Performance arts theatre Burn The Floor, where Robin danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing.

Tributes have poured in to Windsor this morning, with Strictly’s Amy Dowden describing him as a ‘kind, talented soul’

Fellow dancer Giselle Rojas Peacock wrote: ‘I was shocked to find out today we lost another Dancer and Friend Robin Jamie Windsor.

‘This one hits home as we had so many years dancing performing and touring together all over the world in Burn the Floor.

‘One of the original members and poster boy of Burn, Bobby was so loved by everyone, the sweetest human. Just like a massive teddy bear.

‘You light up the stage with such an energy and it was always a pleasure to dance with you.

‘We had so many laughs, tears, highs and lows together and even though life took us in separate directions and the lord has taken you to soon, I think all us will cherish so many memories with you in them.

‘RIP my good friend. My heart breaks today for all who loved you. And there were many.’

Strictly choreographer Patrick Helm said Robin was unaware of how much he meant to people.

He wrote: ‘I don’t even know how to find the words to this post. I will dearly miss you Robin Windsor

‘This one is hitting me hard and too close to home.

‘My deepest condolences go to your family and everyone who knew you! You were another one who was loved by so many but couldn’t see it himself.

Performance arts theatre Burn The Floor, where Robin danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing

Fans and friends flooded X with tributes to the late dancer

The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer (pictured in October 2023) was best known for his appearances on BBC ‘s Strictly Come Dancing for five years between 2010-2015

‘May you finally be free and find piece

‘RIP Bobby.’

Robin was previously engaged to ex-partner Davide Cini and proposed on a romantic New York helicopter ride in 2013 before splitting years later.

He also previously dated Marcus Collins, the singer who featured on The X Factor in 2011.

In 2018, Robin opened up about his struggle with depression while he featured on Strictly Come Dancing, saying: ‘We all have dark days but I was having dark weeks.

‘I would end up not getting out of bed for four or fives days at a time, as far as everyone was concerned I was ‘happy Robin’ – expect to the people I lived with.’

Robin also experienced mental health issues when he suffered two huge setbacks, losing his job on Strictly and splitting with his fiancé.

He said: ‘I was still on Strictly at the time it started – it was really bad.

‘A lot of things happened at the same time, quite bad things, which set it in motion.

‘My injury, a financial situation, my engagement [to Davide] had ended and I lost my job on Strictly all at the same time so it took its toll.’

In a statement announcing his death, Sisco Entertainment said: ‘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.’

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