Robin Windsor’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars paid tribute to him on the day of his funeral, weeks after he was found dead in a London hotel.
Kevin Clifton and Janette Manrara shared sweet posts dedicated to the late dancer as the stars of the ballroom world say their final goodbyes.
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images of herself cuddling up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji.
Alongside photos of her and Robin, Janette wrote: “I will always love you,” former judge Arlene Phillips wrote: “Wow.” This photo touched my heart.”
The funeral, which will be held in his home town of Ipswich, will be a “colourful celebration of his life” and will feature “beautiful and emotional dance performances”.
Robin Windsor’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars have paid tribute to him on the day of his funeral, weeks after he was found dead in a London hotel.
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images of herself cuddling up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji.
Ashley Roberts, who appeared on the show in 2018, posted a praying hands emoji below Janette’s post.
Robin’s family requested that his funeral be a “private” affair, as loved ones gather to honor his life.
A statement from the family said: “The funeral will be a private service for invited family, friends and colleagues who were important to Robin in both his personal life and professional career.
‘In the meantime, we once again thank everyone for the love and shared memories of Robin.
‘As a family we also ask that there be no more disturbing speculations. “We appreciate you respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”
Celebrities such as Susanna Reid, Lisa Riley and Kristina Rhianoff are expected to attend, as well as their latest professional dancer, Gordana Grandosek.
A friend of Robin, who was found dead aged 44, said: “Robin was very loved.” The outpouring of grief that followed the tragic news of his death demonstrated how much it meant to everyone in his life.
“He was always an extraordinary character, funny, but always very open and honest about everything that was happening.
‘His greatest love was dancing, so when they started planning his funeral everyone agreed that there had to be a performance that was a beautiful tribute to everything he achieved in his career.
Alongside photos of her and Robin, Janette wrote: ‘I will always love you,’ former judge Arlene Phillips wrote: ‘Wow. This photo touched my heart
“It’s going to be a very emotional day, but everyone wants to make Robin proud.”
Shortly before her death, Windsor spent time in South Africa, where she performed on a luxury cruise with Grandosek, a Slovenian ballroom dancing star.
Details of how he died have yet to be revealed, but he spoke openly about his struggles with his mental health and had been in a dark place before leaving London and was postponing his return.
He told a friend he did not want to return home to the UK after an undisclosed incident over the New Year period.
Windsor was booted from Strictly in 2013 after injuring his back while doing a lift at a party in Blackpool where the show films during each series.
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff, his close friend and former Strictly co-star, suggested he may have taken his own life.
She wrote on Facebook: ‘There are no words to express the pain.
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff, his close friend and former Strictly co-star, suggested he may have taken his own life.
The professional Latin and ballroom dancer, pictured in October last year, was found dead in a London hotel aged 44.
Robin was previously in a relationship with Marcus Collins, right, an X-Factor finalist whose mentor is Gary Barlow; The couple had planned to marry but separated in 2015.
‘Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared countless experiences, from the highlights of our careers to hitting rock bottom with rejection.
‘Many of you who attended his farewell tour are well aware that he spoke very openly about his mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
“I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loved Robin to hear that, but those thoughts were in his head for many years… Too much pain, too much disappointment, too much neglect.”
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.