Inquest Hears Robin Windsor's 'Glow Had Gone' After Strictly Come Dancing Exit
Robin Windsor's 'Glow Gone' After Strictly Exit, Inquest Told

Inquest Hears Robin Windsor's 'Glow Had Gone' After Strictly Come Dancing Exit

An inquest into the tragic death of professional dancer Robin Windsor has heard poignant testimony from actress Lisa Riley, who described how his 'glow had gone' after he was dropped from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing series in 2015. Riley, who was Windsor's professional partner on the show in 2012, told West London Coroner's Court that he 'kept slipping deeper and deeper into depression' from that point until his passing.

Struggles with Depression and Obsession

Lisa Riley's witness statement revealed that Windsor became obsessed with Strictly Come Dancing after his departure, frequently watching current episodes on his phone during a 2023 pantomime run. Colleagues noted he seemed 'desperate' to return to the high-profile production, missing it dearly. The inquest also heard that Windsor battled significant imposter syndrome, often feeling inadequate in his roles, and had confided in Riley about being molested by a former dance tutor.

Financial and Personal Demons

Financial instability played a major role in Windsor's decline, with Riley describing him as 'drowning in debts' before his death. He reportedly spent frantically on designer items he could not afford, leading to periods of withdrawal from friends. Concerns were raised about his use of steroids and alcohol, a combination that friends believe frequently put him in a 'bad place', compounded by insecurities about his body image and a constant need for external validation.

Final Optimism and Tragic Outcome

Despite these struggles, choreographer Scott Coldwell recalled a positive final phone call with Windsor just days before his death to discuss an upcoming Legends dance tour, which Windsor viewed as a vital career reboot. However, Windsor was found dead in a London hotel room in February 2024 at the age of 44. The jury heard he had consumed alcohol and the drug GBL prior to his discovery by hotel staff. The inquest continues, shedding light on the complex factors behind this heartbreaking loss.