HEARTBREAK
Robin Windsor’s X Factor boyfriend Marcus Collins breaks silence after Strictly Come Dancing legend’s death at 44
Marcus shared a snap of himself with Robin
ROBIN Windsor's ex-boyfriend Marcus Collins has broken his silence after the Strictly Come Dancing star's death.
The pro dancer sadly passed away at the age of 44, it was announced today.
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X Factor star Marcus shared a picture of himself with Robin and captioned it: "The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin you were so loved."
The black and white photo shows them lovingly embracing one another for a photoshoot.
Marcus also shared a selfie of the pair enjoying a day at the park.
Robin and Marcus first started speaking over Twitter and their friendship gradually blossomed into an 18-month relationship.
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Marcus - who was a finalist on the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011 - spotted a snap of Robin on the cover of Gay Times, and decided to tweet him.
At the time, Robin explained: “Marcus Tweeted me to say ‘You’re looking really good, well done’!
“We’d first met at ITV studios a few years ago, when I passed Marcus in the corridor and asked for a photo because he was very handsome.
"From then on there was no contact whatsoever til I appeared on the GT cover.
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“After my last relationship ended I was on the rebound and on the warpath thinking, I must find a boyfriend.
"Deborah Meaden told me to get myself together, concentrate on work, forget about men, and enjoy life. As soon as I did that, Marcus came along.”
Devastated Susanna Reid fights back tears as she learns Strictly partner Robin Windsor has died live on GMB
Robin first appeared on Strictly with Patsy Kensit in 2010, reaching week nine of the competition, before being eliminated at the same stage with EastEnders legend Anita Dobson two years later.
He went on to reach week five with Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden in 2013.
The dancer also performed with newsreader Susanna Reid in a special episode for Children In Need in 2011 and Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas special.
Susanna fought back tears as she learned of Robin's death live on Good Morning Britain today.
Susanna said: "He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.
"He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it."
Robin left Strictly in 2014, claiming bosses had axed him following a "horrible back operation".
Speaking at the time, he said: "Leaving Strictly wasn’t my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn’t want to ask me back the next year.
"It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit."
It comes as...
- Co-star James Jordan leads tributes for dancing pro James Jordan
- The Strictly star posted on social media just days before he passed
- Inside Robin’s relationship with ex-boyfriend & X-Factor star Marcus Collins
- He was forced to quit Strictly 'or risk ending up in wheelchair'
- Susanna Reid fought back tears on today's Good Morning Britain after learning of the death
- Photos show Robin smiling on cruise just weeks before his passing
News of Robin's death was confirmed by Sisco Entertainment, which represented him in various areas of theatre and corporate entertainment.
A statement said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor.
"Robin’s presence in Come What May was more than just a performance - it was an embodiment of passion, grace, and sheer talent.
"His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
"Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth. His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless.
"His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed.
"Though Come What May will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light."
'NURTURING SOUL'
A statement from his agent added: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
"Robin's dancing started from a very young age and never stopped. He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun.
He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance. Strictly Come Dancing, Burn The Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country who he gave his time.
"Robin was a strong advocate for mental health and worked closely with the ‘Sane Charity’. The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today."
Tributes have poured in for Robin following the tragic announcement of his death.
Strictly co-star James Jordan said: "I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly.
"Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend."
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Robin's big break came in 2001 when he was cast in the popular show Burn The Floor which toured around the world and had a nine-month run on Broadway.
He went on to appear in Dancing with the Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in Holland before his Strictly break in the UK.
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