Strictly stars celebrate 'glitterball' Windsor

Former Strictly dancer Robin Windsor died in February 2024

The stars of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing have celebrated the life of late professional dancer Robin Windsor with a show which saw judge Anton Du Beke describe him as "a human glitterball".

Windsor, from Ipswich, died in February, aged 44. His cause of death has not been given.

Robin Windsor: The Final Act took place at the London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday and included Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley, who was Windsor's celebrity partner on the show in 2012.

Introducing the show, Du Beke compared Windsor to the shimmering Strictly trophy, with Riley adding she hoped the dancer would "shine down on us all and keep shining in heaven".

Actress Lisa Riley danced with Windsor in 2012 and co-hosted the tribute show

The night was organised with the help of dancers Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis with the permission of Windsor's family, with all profits going to mental health charity Sane, which Windsor worked with as an ambassador while appearing on the BBC One show between 2010 and 2013.

There were also appearances from former Strictly contestant Deborah Meaden, who was partnered with Windsor in 2013.

Other stars to appear in the show included singer and actor Marisha Wallace, professional dancers Joanne Clifton and Vincent Simone, and singer Lance Ellington.

The show closed with a video montage of Windsor's life, from his childhood to becoming a Strictly dancer.

He started his dancing lessons at the Ipswich School of Dance, aged three.

Windsor partnered actress Anita Dobson in 2011 on Strictly Come Dancing

Sane held a silent auction to raise funds for its work in honour of Windsor.

Riley said afterwards: "The important message is to keep talking and look out for your friends."

Du Beke added: "Fellas don't talk and tend to keep it to themselves. Get it out lads - speak to Sane."

During his time on Strictly, Windsor was partnered with Patsy Kensit and Anita Dobson as well as Riley, and won the 2011 Children In Need special with presenter Susanna Reid.

He was also partnered with Alison Hammond and Sara Cox on Strictly Christmas specials and is the only person to have performed on Broadway, the West End and Strictly Come Dancing in the same year.