Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor, 44, was tragically found dead in a London hotel, according to reports.
It was announced on Tuesday the former star of the popular competition series had died - no official cause of death has been revealed.
Windsor’s dance partner Kristina Rihanoff has since detailed how her close friend was in “excruciating pain” and enduring “depression and broken self-worth” prior to his death, years after he was forced to quit Strictly due to injury.
Speaking last year, Windsor explained he felt he had been axed from the show due to a back operation he had undergone as he claimed: “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.”
Taking to Instagram to pay a heartbreaking tribute to her late friend, Rihanoff referenced Windsor’s Strictly exit as well as his back injury and mental health battles as she reflected on the tragic loss.
In a lengthy statement accompanying a photo of herself and Windsor, she penned: “There is no words to express the pain and devastation. Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our careers highlights to hitting Rockbottom of rejection.
“When I got partnered with him on Strictly I was blown away by his kindness, lighthearted personality and amazing loyalty. He had stood by me through many rough times during Strictly for which I am deeply grateful for as there was no one else to lean on. "
She went on to state Windsor had been "absolutely destroyed" after leaving Strictly, and that he had "depression and broken self-worth".
She also noted his “excruciating back pain” which was still causing him to suffer years on from the initial injury.
News of Robin Windsor's death was announced on Tuesday
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Reiterating his mental torment, the dancer continued: “Many of you who went to see his farewell tour, know perfectly well that he spoke very openly about his mental health struggles...
“I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loves Robin to hear something like that, but those thoughts were in his head for quite many years and it’s so deeply sad that he felt that he is better to another place rather than stay here. Too much pain too much disappointment, too much neglect."
Concluding the post, Rihanoff wrote: “I was asked today to appear on every news outlet, every TV show to pay tribute him to which I said no.
“Not today, not over zoom saying a couple of words what a great guy he was - the truth is he was an incredible person and it’s absolute tragedy that he felt there was no way out. Thank you for everything Robin, rest in peace.” (sic)
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Windsor starred on Strictly from 2010 to 2014
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Among others sharing their condolences following Windsor's death was GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes.
Eamonn reflected on his own time spent with Windsor as he revealed: "I got to dance with him, at of all places, Old Trafford. There were these publicity pictures taken on the pitch and overlooking the pitch.
"But he was there to dance with my wife for a ladies' lunch that we held for charity for the Manchester United Foundation. And he was one of them during that. He was very, very popular."
Isabel also paid tribute to the dancer, weighing in: "He was very popular and very, very able. Goodness me, I don't know what's happened there, 44, no age at all."
