Lisa Riley Fights Tears Remembering Robin Windsor on Loose Women
Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley fought back tears during a live television appearance as she spoke publicly for the first time about the tragic death of her close friend Robin Windsor. The emotional tribute occurred on Tuesday's edition of ITV's Loose Women, just over two years after the former Strictly Come Dancing professional took his own life at age 44.
A Friendship Forged on the Dance Floor
Lisa Riley, best known for playing Mandy Dingle on the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, was paired with Robin Windsor during the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The partnership blossomed into what Riley described as "a friendship like no other." She told the Loose Women panel, which included Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan, and Janet Street-Porter, "He was like my firework and I met my male me. Everyone would always say we were like the original Will & Grace, and that was always music to my ears."
The 49-year-old actress became visibly emotional as she reflected on their bond, saying "It's always been really hard since he passed, it's been two years. Last Thursday was the anniversary. How could I have lost such a wonderful person in my life? Why was his life taken so soon? He was too young to die."
The Impact of Professional Rejection
Riley revealed that Windsor's mental health struggles intensified after he left Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 following an injury. "As soon as he lost his job on Strictly, the light went off," she explained. "He started to struggle and felt that he wasn't wanted anymore. He felt he couldn't get a boyfriend anymore."
This insight aligns with findings from a recent inquest, where a 10-person jury determined that Windsor had taken his own life. The jury concluded that probable causes included "an accumulation of many attributes to depression" and specifically noted that "the way they treated me destroyed me" according to Windsor's own words about his Strictly departure.
Inquest Findings and Personal Tributes
The inquest, which concluded just weeks before Riley's emotional television appearance, heard that multiple factors contributed to Windsor's decision. The jury forewoman stated that Windsor "suffered from childhood trauma, he was vulnerable to rejection, both emotionally and professionally." Additional contributing factors included:
- Loneliness and lack of emotional maturity
- Pressure from mounting debts
- Insufficient consistent mental health care and support
- Recurring heartache from personal relationships
Riley had provided a statement for the inquest proceedings, writing about "every bit of joy, the trust and loyalty that I had with that man." She described their unique bond: "It's so hard. I always have trust issues but he was there for me, if it was ten past three in the morning, and it was vice versa."
A Life Cut Short
Robin Windsor's body was discovered by a hotel receptionist after he failed to check out of his room in February 2024. Police found two suicide messages, including one to a close friend that read: "This all actually really started when I lost my place on Strictly and I have been fighting it ever since."
Another note to ex-partner Ollie Augstin, whom Windsor had broken up with the previous year, stated: "I need you to understand, this is not your fault!"
Riley expressed her ongoing grief and confusion, saying "I said at his funeral 'Why would you not want to be here?' It's so hard because you don't understand why they will take their life." She revealed she had offered therapy and knew about his struggles "for a long, long time."
Remembering the Person Behind the Performer
The actress painted a picture of Windsor's simple aspirations, contrasting with his glamorous television career. "It was unbelievable because we're all in very happy relationships, and all he wanted was that bungalow, the dog, Sunday roast with his husband," she shared. "He made really decisions with men and I'd say 'Not this one!' He'd fall in love really quickly, and I just wish he could hear how loved he was."
Following the inquest's conclusion, a BBC spokesperson expressed sympathy, stating: "Our sympathies are with Robin's family, friends, and all who knew him. The whole of the Strictly Come Dancing family remain deeply saddened by his passing. Robin was a much-loved member of the team - both on and off air - during his time on the show."
The spokesperson added that "several complex factors contributed to how Robin felt at the time of his tragic death" and that their thoughts remain with all who knew and loved him.
Lisa Riley's emotional tribute on Loose Women serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of mental health struggles and the profound grief experienced by those left behind when someone takes their own life.
