Former Strictly Pro Robin Windsor’s Tragic Death Ruled Suicide After Inquest
A poignant inquest has concluded that former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor, aged 44, took his own life. The beloved dancer was discovered deceased in a London hotel in Shepherd’s Bush in February 2024, following the consumption of alcohol and a drug.
Jurors at West London Coroner’s Court heard evidence detailing that Mr. Windsor had left behind a suicide note, expressing that the manner in which he was dropped from the BBC show had “destroyed” him. After deliberating for approximately two hours, the jury returned a verdict on Thursday, stating: “We agree that the probable causes are an accumulation of many attributes to depression. Robin Jamie Windsor suffered from childhood trauma, he was vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally.”
The jury further agreed that a confluence of factors contributed to Mr. Windsor’s declining mental health, ultimately leading to his death. These included:
- Loneliness
- A lack of emotional maturity
- The pressure of mounting debts
- An absence of consistent mental health care and support
- Recurring heartache
Mr. Windsor’s professional relationship with Strictly Come Dancing concluded in 2014. Reports suggest that the BBC bosses did not invite him back after a severe back injury necessitated surgery to remove a disc. He had been a fixture on the popular series for three years, from 2010, gracing the dance floor with celebrities such as Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley, and Deborah Meaden.
His former Strictly co-star, Kristina Rihanoff, reportedly became emotional as she testified at the hearing. She recounted how Mr. Windsor had “changed significantly” after sustaining his back injury. Ms. Rihanoff described the high-pressure environment of the BBC dance competition as a “very lonely space with not much support.”
Further details emerged during the inquest, revealing that two notes were discovered near Mr. Windsor’s body. The first, addressed to a friend, was read aloud in court. It conveyed a powerful message about the impact of his departure from Strictly, stating: “This all really started when I lost my job on Strictly and have been fighting it ever since. The way they treated me destroyed me…It started me on the road I’m still on. All I wanted from life was to be happy. I loved my job more than anyone else.”
Mr. Windsor continued to articulate the overwhelming nature of his struggles in the note, writing: “The heartache, the loneliness, the constant sadness. I just live permanently in a dark place. I just can’t live like this anymore. It’s just too painful.” He reflected on his life with a sense of closure, adding: “I had a good run, I’ve done some incredible things in my 44 years and had an unreal life doing what I loved, but all things must come to an end and my curtain has come down for the final time.”
The second note was penned to his ex-boyfriend, actor Ollie Augustin, and reportedly contained the plea: “I need you to understand that this is not your fault!”
Following his exit from Strictly, Mr. Windsor continued to pursue his passion for dance. He toured internationally with his Burn The Floor dance company and also performed in the West End. Beyond his professional engagements, he dedicated time to teaching dance, offering lessons to beginners and specialised classes for same-sex couples, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity within the dance community.
The news of his passing in 2024 sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with fans and friends paying heartfelt tributes. Susanna Reid, visibly moved, held back tears while discussing his death on Good Morning Britain. Emmerdale star Lisa Riley expressed her profound grief, stating her heart was “broken.”
A spokesperson for the BBC released a statement expressing their deepest sympathies: “Our sympathies are with Robin’s family, friends, and all who knew him. The whole of the Strictly Come Dancing family remain deeply saddened by his passing. Robin was a much loved member of the team – both on and off air – during his time on the show. As the inquest has heard this week and the jury concluded, several complex factors contributed to how Robin felt at the time of his tragic death and our thoughts remain with all who knew and loved Robin.”
