Strictly Star Robin Windsor's Suicide Notes Reveal Devastating Impact of Show Exit
The tragic death of Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor at the age of 44 in 2024 has been the subject of a recent inquest, where heartbreaking suicide notes were disclosed. The dancer was found deceased in his hotel bed by a receptionist, prompting calls to police and medical services.
Heartbreaking Notes Detail Despair
Police Constable Emily Hampson reported discovering two notes near Windsor's body, which laid bare his profound struggles. In one note, Windsor wrote, "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." He expressed that his sole desire in life was happiness, stating, "All I wanted from life was to be happy. I loved my job more than anyone else."
Windsor described enduring "the heartache, the loneliness, the constant sadness," adding, "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, noting, "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."
In a second note addressed to his ex-partner, actor Ollie Augustin, Windsor emphasized, "I need you to understand that this is not your fault!"
Inquest Testimony from Fellow Dancer
During the first day of the inquest, Kristina Rihanoff, a fellow Strictly star who danced with Windsor on and off the show, provided evidence. She described the BBC programme as a "very lonely space with not much support." Rihanoff, a Russian-born professional dancer, explained the "very severe" psychological impact that leaving the show had on her close friend, particularly as he "couldn't do what he loved" due to a back injury.
She added that it was "heartbreaking" to see him become so "sad, subdued and burdened." The inquest heard that a post-mortem examination ruled Windsor's death was likely due to an overdose of drugs and alcohol.
Background on Windsor's Strictly Departure
Robin Windsor was unable to participate in Strictly Come Dancing from 2014 onwards after suffering a back injury. He previously spoke about the impact of his departure, saying, "Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year. It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit."
He also recounted the pain of watching his replacement, stating, "One of my best friends Trent Whiddon, who replaced me to dance with Pixie Lott, I wanted to watch and support him, but it broke my heart." Windsor revealed that his first experience with depression occurred at age 19, after he was forced to stop dancing due to financial difficulties.
If you are struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
