Emmerdale star Lisa Riley broke down in tears during an emotional appearance on ITV's Loose Women, speaking publicly for the first time since the inquest into the death of her close friend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Robin Windsor.
Heartbreaking Loss of a 'One in a Million' Friend
The actress appeared on Tuesday's episode of the daytime talk show alongside presenters Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan, and Janet Street-Porter, where she opened up about the profound impact of Windsor's passing. "He is my one in a million friend," Riley said tearfully. "In meeting him, I just knew he was like my firework and my male me."
A Tragic End at Age 44
Robin Windsor, a professional dancer who featured on Strictly Come Dancing from 2010 until 2023, was found dead in a hotel room in Shepherd's Bush, west London, in February 2024. He was just 44 years old. The inquest into his death revealed that Windsor had been struggling with significant mental health challenges, including debt and feelings of imposter syndrome after being dropped from the popular BBC competition show.
"It's been really hard since he passed, and it's been two years," Riley shared with the Loose Women panel. "Last Thursday was the anniversary. Two years have gone by, and you think to yourself, 'how could I have lost such a wonderful person in my life?' and 'why was his life taken so, so soon?' He was too young to die."
An Unbreakable Bond Forged on Strictly
Lisa Riley and Robin Windsor formed a deep connection after dancing together during the 2012 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The Emmerdale actress described the dancer as her "rock" and "best friend" during a difficult period in her life, highlighting how their partnership extended far beyond the dance floor.
Following Windsor's tragic death, Riley has dedicated herself to supporting mental health charities, including becoming an ambassador for SANE. She explained that this work helps "keep his sparkle alive" and honors his memory by raising awareness about the issues he faced.
Continuing the Conversation on Mental Health
The emotional discussion on Loose Women underscored the ongoing importance of mental health awareness, particularly in high-pressure industries like entertainment. Riley's candid reflections served as a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles many individuals endure, even those who appear successful and vibrant in the public eye.
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 12:30 PM, providing a platform for such important conversations about loss, friendship, and mental wellbeing.
