Robin Windsor, the celebrated professional dancer best known for his time on Strictly Come Dancing, was found dead in a London hotel room on February 19, 2024.
He was 44 years old.
Authorities say a post-mortem points to a likely drugs and alcohol overdose, and the inquest has revealed heartbreaking details from notes Windsor left behind.
The inquest, held at West London Coroner’s Court, has revealed the dancer felt his career setbacks and personal struggles left him in a “dark place,” struggling to continue.
Suicide Notes Reveal Deep Pain
Police attending Windsor’s hotel room discovered two notes.
In one addressed to a friend, he wrote:
“It all really started when I lost my job on Strictly.
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… I can’t go on living like this anymore.”
A second note, addressed to his ex-boyfriend Ollie Augustin, reassured him:
“This is not your fault.”
These notes shed light on the profound impact that losing his Strictly Come Dancing role in 2015, after suffering a serious back injury, had on him.
Career Highlights and Struggles
Windsor started dancing at the age of three and quickly became a world-class talent.
He won multiple World Championships in Latin and Ballroom dance, joined the international tour of Burn The Floor in 2001, and performed on Broadway for nine months.
He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing from 2010 to 2013 and also performed on Dancing With The Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands.
Beyond performing, he assisted in choreography, acted as a motivational speaker, and supported children and mental health charities, including SANE.
Despite these professional successes, Windsor battled mental health challenges throughout his life, compounded by a difficult breakup and his back injury, which forced him to miss the 2014 series of Strictly.
The BBC chose not to renew his contract the following year, a decision Windsor described as devastating.
Friends and Colleagues Remember Him
Kristina Rihanoff, Windsor’s co-star, told the inquest that losing the show had a severe psychological impact.
Former Strictly executive producer Louise Rainbow stated that Windsor was disappointed but described him as “a joy to work with” and “a lovely man.”
ITV’s Susanna Reid, who partnered with him for Strictly for Children in Need in 2011, paid tribute:
“I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then… He was the most incredible personality.
As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it.”
His representatives highlighted his passion and nurturing spirit, noting that he gave his time generously to students, charities, and fellow dancers.
What’s Next?
The inquest continues to explore the factors that contributed to Windsor’s death, including the effects of career setbacks and long-term mental health challenges.
Support services, such as Samaritans (116 123) and CALM (thecalmzone.net), have been highlighted for those in distress.
His story underscores the pressures faced by performers in high-profile roles and the importance of ongoing mental health support in the entertainment industry.
Summary
Robin Windsor, former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, died at 44 in a London hotel.
A post-mortem indicated a likely drugs and alcohol overdose.
Inquest revelations show he struggled deeply after losing his Strictly contract following a back injury, compounded by personal issues.
Friends and colleagues describe him as a gifted dancer, mentor, and advocate for mental health, whose loss has left a profound void in the dance community.
