Emmerdale star Lisa Riley shared an emotional outpouring of grief for her former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, Robin Windsor. The professional ballroom and latin dancer died at the age of 44, in February.
The BBC dance show shared a tribute in memory of Robin during the 2024 launch show which reignited raw emotions in the ITV soap star. Taking to Instagram Lisa, who partnered with pro-dancer Windsor on Strictly in 2012, shared that his death "doesn't seem real".
The actress posted a picture of the tribute to her Instagram as she wrote: "HOW BEAUTIFUL, HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY BABES…… That our beautiful Robin got mentioned in this tribute, on last nights @bbcstrictly @bbc.
She continued: "Some days it still doesn’t seem real, like we are supposed to be in the sofa together watching last nights show, judging who we think is a front runner, and who has the best outfit.
"May the shimmer and sassy live on through us all, and when we think of my beautiful best friend - just think of pure sparkle." Lisa ended the post as she penned: "Love you babes".
Get the latest Strictly news straight to your inbox with our Strictly Come Dancing newsletter
Fans were also heartbroken by the tribute, with one replying in the Instagram comments: " Was so emotional when this popped up. Was not expecting this, heartbreaking x"
Another added: "I cried when Amy danced, and I cried when this came up for Robin & Dave. Also saw the bus was called ‘Brucie’ which was a nice touch. Well done @bbcstrictly."
A third wrote: "Oh, how I miss seeing his beautiful smile & seeing Robin dance. He'll always be one of my favourites, such a genuine guy with a big heart."
Robin appeared on the BBC One show from 2010 until 2013, partnering with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden. He remained a popular figure among fans of the BBC dance competition after he left.
At the time of Robin's death, his family released a statement which said: "We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin.
Don't miss: Chris McCausland says 'it's not right' as he becomes first blind Strictly star
Don't miss: Ellie Leach says 'it can't ever be taken away' as she shares update with Vito
Don't miss: BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing sparks mixed fan reaction as pro makes comeback
"While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief. We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time."
The former BBC star was discovered in a room in an unnamed London hotel shortly after returning from a "dream" holiday in South Africa.
Fans were concerned when Kristina Rihanoff shared a worrying post about Robin's health. The Strictly professional paid tribute to her friend and dance partner Robin.
In a lengthy post, she spoke to the "pain and devastation" she felt following his passing, and admitted he was "struggling more and more" in the lead-up to his death, citing "instability of work" and "excruciating back pain".
Related articles
- Bruce Forsyth remembered in touching Strictly Come Dancing tribute as fans left
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024 couples confirmed with 3 pros snubbed
- Strictly viewers spot problem with Tess Daly's appearance on new series
- Strictly Come Dancing fans hit out over pairings and moan 'such as a shame'
- Strictly Come Dancing fans 'expose' 2024 winner - and they haven't even danced