Family of Strictly Star Robin Windsor Voices Profound Sadness Following Inquest Verdict
The family of Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has expressed their "profound sadness" after an inquest jury concluded that the dancer took his own life. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Inquest Findings
Robin Windsor, aged 44, was found deceased in a hotel room located in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, in February 2024. The inquest revealed that his death resulted from consuming alcohol and a drug. In a statement released via Windsor’s X account after the inquest concluded, his family acknowledged the jury’s findings with deep sorrow.
"The coroner has now concluded the investigation into the cause of Robin’s death. It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge that Robin took his own life," the family stated. "As a family, together with Robin’s close friends, we can now begin to move forward and attempt, over time, to rebuild our lives."
Jurors determined that Windsor was "vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally," identifying this vulnerability as one of the key contributing factors that led to his untimely death.
Career Highlights and Personal Struggles
Robin Windsor joined the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, where he danced with notable celebrities including actresses Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, and Lisa Riley, as well as Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden. He participated in four series until 2013 but was unable to perform in the 2014 series due to a back injury. Subsequently, he was dropped from the professional dancers’ line-up in 2015, though he did appear in the Christmas special that year, partnering with TV presenter Alison Hammond.
A written statement from Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, read aloud during the inquest, highlighted the significant impact of his removal from Strictly. Riley, who was Windsor’s dance partner in the 2012 series, noted that "his glow had gone" after he was cut from the show. She elaborated, "It was from this moment, on to the time of his death, he kept slipping deeper and deeper into endless depression."
Riley also shared that Windsor had confided in her about feelings of "never feeling good enough" and experiencing "imposter syndrome." Additionally, he opened up about a traumatic incident where he was molested by a dance tutor, further compounding his emotional struggles.
Coroner’s Remarks and Family Gratitude
Following the jury’s conclusion, assistant coroner for west London Dr. Anton van Dellen offered words of comfort to the grieving family. "I hope the family can take some comfort from the joy that Robin brought to so many people and the positive effect he had," he said. "That is a wonderful legacy." Addressing Windsor’s family directly in the courtroom, Dr. van Dellen added, "I hope you can think of the happy times he brought to the public and the deep affection the public held him in."
In their statement, Windsor’s family expressed sincere gratitude for the support they have received. "We wish to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has shown us kindness, compassion and support throughout the long and difficult period since Robin’s passing," they said. "Thank you to everyone who has remembered Robin and marked his life with such love."
Professional Rejection and Mental Health Deterioration
Dr. van Dellen informed jurors that a note discovered by police in the hotel room where Windsor was found dead revealed the dancer’s deep distress over losing his job on Strictly. The note stated, "This all really started when I lost my job on Strictly and have been fighting it ever since." It continued, "The way they treated me destroyed me… it started me on the road I am still on."
Further testimony came from X Factor star and Windsor’s ex-boyfriend Marcus Collins, whose written statement was read during the inquest. Collins described how Windsor’s mental health deteriorated significantly after he was released from his Strictly contract. "The day that he was informed that he was no longer required for Strictly really broke his spirit," Collins said. "I will never forget it as we were on holiday in New York and he was inconsolable. Robin’s mental health was challenged almost constantly from this point and at times it altered his personality."
Legacy and Advocacy for Mental Health
Robin Windsor had been an ambassador for the mental health charity Sane, a role that choreographer Scott Coldwell highlighted during the inquest. Coldwell, who collaborated with Windsor on the dance show Here Come The Boys, testified that the dancer was "very proud" of his work with the charity.
The Windsor family concluded their statement with a poignant message about mental health support. "If you or someone you care for is struggling with mental health, reaching out for support can really make a difference. You don’t have to face things alone," they urged. "Support is available via organisations like SANE and You Are Loved (a company which provides mental health support for LGBT+ people)."
BBC’s Response and Ongoing Impact
A BBC spokesperson extended sympathies to Windsor’s loved ones, 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 acknowledged the inquest findings, noting, "As the inquest has heard this week and the jury concluded, several complex factors contributed to how Robin felt at the time of his tragic death and our thoughts remain with all who knew and loved Robin."
This tragic case underscores the profound impact of professional rejection and emotional vulnerability, highlighting the critical importance of mental health awareness and support within the entertainment industry and beyond.
