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Robin Windsor’s Strictly partner Deborah Meaden opens up about his ‘struggles of life after the limelight’ in tribute
Latin dancer Robin had a 'troubling incident' over New Year
ROBIN Windsor's devastated Strictly Come Dancing partner Deborah Meaden spoke of his "struggles of life after the limelight" in her heartfelt tribute to him.
The professional dancer was found dead in a London hotel room at the age of 44.
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Tributes have poured in from across the celebrity and dance worlds with everyone speaking highly of the kind-hearted star.
Dragons' Den businesswoman Deborah was partnered with Robin on Strictly in 2013 and finished in 12th place.
Writing on X today, she said: "I have been thinking of Robin (Bobby) since I heard the devastating news. Thinking of his Family, friends, loved ones who will be aching at the loss. I have also been thinking of what to say. Robin was a good man.
"He was kind and incredibly generous, supporting so many charities, helping so many people and giving so much of himself wherever he went. He lit up a room with his fun and energy and certainly his sparkle…he was never happier than when he was covered in crystals!. He was talented, clever ( a great partner for a quiz), and fun.
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"He taught my Mother to dance for her 80th birthday party and they whirled around the dance floor at her party….he knew how to make people feel good. He was also complex and human and open about the struggles of life after the limelight. I was lucky to have known you Robin, it’s hard to know you are gone. RIP lovely man x."
Comedian Sarah Millican commented on the post: "So sorry for your loss. Always loved him on the show."
Gabby Logan said: "You found the perfect words x."
A fan wrote: "My eyes are stinging, after reading your heartfelt tribute to Robin. How lovely that he taught your mother, as well as yourself, to dance. Cherish those memories, on this very sad day. RIP Robin."
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It has now emerged that the Latin and ballroom dancer suffered a troubling incident over New Year.
A friend told the : "He kept saying that something had happened over New Year but he wouldn't say what it was.
Strictly's Brendan Cole fights back tears on GMB as he pays emotional tribute to Robin Windsor after his tragic death aged 44
"He sounded absolutely traumatised – whatever had happened must have been truly awful."
His final days were spent working on a luxurious cruise ship and taking in the spectacular sights of Africa.
Just days after he returned to the capital, Robin was found dead in a London hotel, the Mail reported.
It is not known how he died.
On January 4, Robin told his followers: "Big shout out and love to everyone who's reached out and checked in the last week.
"Sorry I have not replied... it's been a bit of a trying time and things are looking up. Robin."
Weeks later he shared a quote from Dr Thema Bryant hinting that he had experienced trauma.
It read: "Trauma teaches you to expect and accept the bare minimum.
"In this new season, may you adjust your standards and learn to receive the maximum.
"You are worthy. You are enough. You deserve overflow."
Robin previously opened up about his depression and revealed he couldn't watch Strictly after leaving the show.
Robin finished runner-up on the 2012 series with actress Lisa Riley and became one of the show's most recognisable faces.
He first appeared on the 2010 season with Patsy Kensit, before partnering Anita Dobson two years later and Dragons' Den star Deborah in 2013.
It comes as:
- Robin sent on "a downwards spiral" after Strictly Come Dancing axe
- His final dance partner says she was "next to him on his darkest nights" in tribute
- He lived on Lidl beans on toast & washed pots until 3am before big break
- Strictly Come Dancing releases statement about Robin's shock death
- Kristina Rhianoff says he was in "excruciating pain"
- Robin endured an agonising health battle prior to his death
Robin also partnered Susanna Reid and Alison Hammond in one-off specials.
His death was confirmed by Sisco Entertainment, which said Robin's friendship "was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him".
Robin left the show in 2014, claiming he was axed by bosses following a "horrible back operation".
He revealed how he found it difficult to watch the show after his departure, telling MailOnline: "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. One of my best friends Trent Whiddon, who replaced me to dance with Pixie Lott, I wanted to watch and support him, but it broke my heart.
"I was with Marcus Collins from the X Factor, who was my partner at the time, and said to him, 'I'm really struggling to watch the show.'
"He told me the best thing to do was to really get behind and support everybody. He said it was hard for him to watch the success of Little Mix, who beat him on X Factor."
An ambassador for , he also said he had battled with depression from the age of 19.
Speaking to the charity, he said: "I didn’t really understand when I was 19 years old that I was suffering from depression at that time.
"And as I said, I was fuelling my life with as much as possible without drugs.
"Dancing is really what makes me happy and, without it in my life, I felt lost.
"Thankfully, I was given an opportunity to get back into it and had an incredible job travelling the world."
Robin described losing his role on the show as "probably the worst thing that could have ever happened".
He added: "Not really understanding what was going on I found that I was sad.
"And, I know we all have our dark days, but my dark days turned into dark weeks and I wouldn’t get out of bed.
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"I didn’t really understand why I was feeling like that or how to get out of that state."
His final post on Instagram was uploaded on January 28, a dimly lit selfie with the caption: "Hiding in the shadows."
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