Robin Windsor's ex-fiancé, Davide Cini, has disclosed the injury that ended the dancer's career on Strictly Come Dancing, just days after an inquest ruled his death a suicide. The 44-year-old was found dead at the Hoxton Hotel in Shepherd's Bush on 19 February 2024, with a blood alcohol level twice the drink-drive limit and traces of the drug GBL.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Davide said Windsor's career unravelled after a devastating injury during rehearsals in 2015. 'Sadly, during an after party in Blackpool, a specific show, they attempted a lift and he was dropped,' Davide explained. 'He really hurt himself. And he had to pay for his own money privately to seek treatment. That really affected him.' His contract was never renewed.
Davide noted that Windsor had not struggled with anxiety until after leaving the show. 'I had never seen Robin struggling with depression,' he said. 'Things degraded along the years, unfortunately. He was struggling.' The couple met after Windsor walked past Davide's flat in Kennington; they connected on a dating app and were inseparable.
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley helped orchestrate their romance, flying them to New York and arranging a helicopter proposal over the Statue of Liberty. The couple split in 2014 but remained friends. Davide described Windsor as 'so caring, so loving,' and stressed he wants his former partner remembered for his support of the LGBT community.
The inquest lasted two days, and Davide said it 'opens old wounds' but emphasised the importance of such inquiries for LGBT individuals. Windsor's death was ruled a suicide after around two hours of deliberation.
