Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff was in tears as she recalled how her dancer pal Robin Windsor became ‘subdued’ before his death.
Kristina, who was on the show between 2008 and 2016, spoke out during her friend Robin’s inquest into his death. Robin tragically took his own life at age 44 in February 2024. The inquest heard that a post-mortem ruled Windsor’s death was likely an overdose on drugs and alcohol.
Robin’s death came after he was unable to take part in Strictly in 2014 due to a back injury that required surgery. And the following year, bosses of the BBC dance show decided not to bring him back. During the inquest, Kristina burst into tears as she revealed how Robin changed ‘significantly’ after his back injury.
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Meanwhile, she also slammed the show, calling it a “very lonely space with not much support. Kristina detailed “very severe” the “psychological impact” that leaving the show had on her friend – as he “couldn’t do what he loved” due to his back injury. She added that is was “heartbreaking” to see him so “sad, subdued and burdened”.
Robin’s inquest was opened this week, two years after his death. During the inquest, it was heard that Robin left a suicide note. He was found dead by a receptionist while staying in a hotel the Hoxton in West London and police and medics were called. PC Emily Hampson said she found two notes near him.
One note was addressed to his ex, Ollie Augustin, and Windsor told him that his suicide was not Augustin’s fault. In the other, Windsor wrote that being axed from Strictly in 2015 left him devastated. He wrote: “This all really started when I lost my job on Strictly and have been fighting it ever since.
“The way they treated me destroyed me…It started me on the road I’m still on. All I wanted from life was to be happy. I loved my job more than anyone else.
He added that the “heartache, the loneliness, the constant sadness” all got to be “too much”. “I just live permanently in a dark place,” Windsor said. “I just can’t live like this anymore. It’s just too painful.
“I had a good run, I’ve done some incredible things in my 44 years and had an unreal life doing what I loved, but all things must come to an end, and my curtain has come down for the final time.”
Robin was a professional dancer on the show from 2010 until 2013, during which he was paised with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Liza Riley and Deborah Meaden.
The inquest continues. Shortly after Robin’s death was announced Kristina paid tribute to Robin and remembered his kindness and loyalty in a heartfelt post.
Meanwhile Strictly issued a statement following the news of Robin’s death in 2024. It read: “The whole Strictly family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor. He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer & choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor.
“Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”
If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
- James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family
*If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
