Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has revealed to an inquest that her former Strictly Come Dancing professional partner, Robin Windsor, lost his "glow" after being dropped from the popular BBC show. The testimony was delivered at West London Coroner's Court, shedding light on Windsor's mental health struggles following his exit from the series.
Friendship Forged on the Dance Floor
Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley became close friends after being paired together for the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Riley described their instant connection in a written witness statement, stating that they were "joined at the hip" and that Windsor became her rock during a difficult period after she had lost her mother. "To say we hit it off was an understatement," the actress told the court, emphasising the deep bond they formed through their dance partnership.
The Downward Spiral After Strictly
Windsor, a Latin and ballroom dancer who joined Strictly in 2010, performed with celebrities including Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, and Deborah Meaden over four series until 2013. He was unable to participate in the 2014 series due to a back injury and was subsequently dropped from the show in 2015, though he did appear in a Christmas special that year. Riley testified that from this point onward, Windsor began "slipping deeper and deeper into depression," noting that "his glow had gone."
The inquest heard that Windsor, who was found dead at age 44 in a London hotel room in February 2024, struggled with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. Riley explained that he was "very influenced by other men" and often felt insecure about his body, leading him to use steroids. Combined with alcohol consumption, this put him in a "bad place," according to her statement.
Financial and Emotional Struggles
Jurors were informed that Windsor faced significant financial difficulties, which exacerbated his mental health issues. Riley said he was "drowning in debts" and would spend "frantically" on designer items he could not afford. "Money problems also played a part of his darker days," she noted, adding that his debts led to periods where she would not hear from him for weekends at a time.
Despite their enduring friendship and "incredible trust," with Windsor telling her "everything," Riley's last contact with him was around Christmas 2023. She texted him after seeing a "really dark" post on his Facebook, to which he replied that he was "fine, just usual ups and downs of life." The inquest continues as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Windsor's tragic death.
