Deborah Meaden has paid an emotional tribute to her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Robin Windsor, who has died aged 44. The Dragons' Den star described the news of Windsor's death as "devastating" in posts on Instagram and X.
Meaden, who competed with Windsor in the 2013 series of the BBC One show, said she was "thinking of his family, friends and loved ones" who would be "aching at the loss". She recalled him as "a good man", kind, generous, and someone who "lit up a room with his fun and energy". Meaden also remembered how Windsor taught her mother to dance for her 80th birthday party.
The pair were the fourth couple eliminated in the 2013 series and later took part in the show's live UK tour the following year. Windsor also danced with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley during his time on Strictly, with Riley reaching the semi-final.
In 2014, Windsor was forced to pull out of the series due to a back injury, but he returned part way through the series for group dances. He continued to appear in Strictly Christmas specials until 2015, when he partnered Alison Hammond.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from Strictly stars past and present, including hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, judges Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas, and professional dancers Oti Mabuse and Dianne Buswell.
Windsor's cause of death has not been confirmed. He had most recently been starring in Come What May, a Moulin Rouge tribute show. He was also a mental health advocate and worked closely with the Sane Charity.
