Featured Image Credit: BBC/Ray BurmistonJeff Spicer/Getty Images
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, BBC, Entertainment
Jess Hardiman
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, BBC, Entertainment
The team at Strictly Come Dancing have released a statement responding to the death of dancer and 'dear friend' Robin Windsor.
Earlier today, Windsor's dance company, Burn the Floor, announced that he had passed away at the age of 44.
A statement said: "The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin 'Bobby' Windsor - who has tragically passed away.
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"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.”
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The professional dancer - who started dancing aged just three - joined Strictly back in 2010, taking to the dance floor with a whole host of celebs including model Patsy Kensit, Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden.
Windsor exited the show in 2013 after an injury left him paralysed for four days, but he returned two years later to perform with This Morning presenter Alison Hammond in the Christmas special.
The team at Strictly have now issued a statement responding to his shock death, paying tribute to the 'exceptionally talented' star.
The statement said: "The whole Strictly Come Dancing family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor.
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"He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor.
"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time."
As the news broke earlier today, an emotional Susanna Reid struggled to hold back the tears on Good Morning Britain - choking up as she asked co-host Ed Balls take the reins as the show announced the sad news to viewers.
Reid danced with Windsor in a special episode for Children In Need back in 2011 before appearing alongside him for the 2013 series of Strictly, in which she was partnered with Kevin Clifton and Windsor danced with Meadon.
"He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing," she said.
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"I just adored him.
"He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it."
After the break, she added: "I have wonderful memories of you, Robin. He was very sensual, wonderfully exuberant. Full of strength and creativity. He made me fall in love with dancing.
"He was a fabulous, phenomenal personality."