Robin Windsor's Former Partner Details Dog's Ongoing Grief in Emotional TV Interview
Davide Cini, the former fiancé of late Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor, has broken his silence in a deeply moving television interview. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Cini revealed the heartbreaking reaction of their shared pet dog to Windsor's tragic death in 2024.
A Bond That Endured Beyond Separation
Cini explained that although the couple called off their engagement, they remained close friends. "You have to understand this happened when we called off our engagement but we stayed friends," he told hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary. "We have a dog together, Luka, he's 15, he still barks when he hears the doorbell ring because he thinks it's Robin and it breaks my heart every time."
The former partners maintained their friendship for years, with Windsor living with Cini on and off for approximately six to seven years, including during lockdown periods. Their connection remained strong despite the end of their romantic relationship.
The Impact of Strictly Departure on Mental Health
Cini provided insight into Windsor's mental health struggles, which he believes intensified after the dancer's departure from Strictly Come Dancing. Windsor served as a professional on the popular BBC show from 2010 until 2014, when an injury forced him to leave the competition.
"Until after he was no longer on the show, I had never seen Robin struggling with depression," Cini revealed. "I'd struggled in the past and he knew about it but he couldn't understand until later on in life when he started having these struggles himself."
He described Windsor as "wonderful" and "caring," noting that the personality viewers saw on television matched his real-life character. "What you saw on TV was what he was in real life. He was so caring, so loving. If anyone was struggling, he would be the first to show up."
Public Spotlight and Relationship Pressures
Cini also reflected on the intense media attention surrounding their relationship, particularly their engagement in 2012. He recalled how Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who competed with Windsor on Strictly, played a role in their engagement during a trip to New York.
"She flew us to New York after Strictly, we stayed in a wonderful hotel, and one day, they'd arranged a helicopter trip," Cini remembered. "Lisa was like 'You're coming on the helicopter!' Because of the metal detector she had to hide those rings."
However, Cini expressed discomfort with the public scrutiny that followed. "The story became so big, it was in the newspaper as soon as we came off the helicopter," he said. "Publications were planning to feature our wedding. This was 2012 when gay marriage was made legal and I felt it was too much. I was happy to be behind the scenes."
A Community Perspective on Mental Health
Cini highlighted broader issues within the LGBTQ+ community, noting that "Robin was also a gay man in his forties and many of us struggle in our community." His comments shed light on the intersection of public life, personal relationships, and mental health challenges.
The emotional interview visibly affected both Cini and the This Morning hosts, with Hammond and O'Leary appearing deeply moved by the personal revelations about Windsor's life and legacy.
