A back injury sustained at a Blackpool after-party in 2013 marked a painful turning point for professional dancer Robin Windsor. The incident contributed to his departure from Strictly Come Dancing and, as heard during his inquest, formed part of a wider decline in his mental health that ultimately led to his death.
The 2013 Blackpool Injury
While performing in the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special in 2013, Windsor attended a celebratory after-party (not organised by the BBC). During the evening, he attempted a lift with another person and was accidentally dropped, landing heavily and suffering a slipped disc along with serious back damage that required surgery.
His former fiancé, Davide Cini, later told ITV that the fall “really hurt him and it really affected him.” Windsor missed the entire 2014 series due to the injury and was not asked to return for 2015 (though he appeared in the 2015 Christmas special with Alison Hammond). In a note left before his death, he reportedly described being dropped from the show as having “destroyed” him.
Friends and colleagues later suggested that better safeguarding at alcohol-fuelled industry events could help protect performers.
Death and Inquest Findings
Robin Windsor was found dead in a hotel room in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, on 19 February 2024, at the age of 44.
A jury inquest at West London Coroner’s Court, concluded in February 2026, ruled that he took his own life. The medical cause of death was recorded as the combined effects of alcohol (ethanol) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
The jury determined that his death resulted from a “mental health deterioration” driven by an accumulation of factors, including:
- Prolonged depression
- Vulnerability to rejection (both emotionally and professionally)
- Childhood trauma
- Loneliness
- Financial pressures and mounting debts
- Lack of consistent mental health support
- Recurring relationship difficulties
Evidence presented highlighted how the loss of his Strictly role, ongoing back pain, and career setbacks had a profound psychological impact.
The BBC issued a statement acknowledging multiple contributing factors to Windsor’s distress at the time. It extended condolences to his family and friends and reaffirmed its ongoing investment in mental health support for programme participants and contributors.
Career Rise and Sudden Exit
Born Robin Jamie Windsor on 15 September 1979 in Ipswich, Suffolk, he built an impressive international career in ballroom and Latin dance. He gained widespread recognition through the global touring production Burn the Floor.
Windsor joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2010 (Series 8) and appeared until 2013. He partnered with celebrities, including:
- Patsy Kensit
- Anita Dobson
- Lisa Riley
- Deborah Meaden
Known for his energy, technical skill, and warm personality, he became a popular figure on the show. His exit after the 2013 injury and subsequent non-renewal stalled the momentum of his television and performing career, leading to reported struggles with depression and financial strain in the years that followed.
Legacy and Broader Impact
Robin Windsor is remembered as a talented, charismatic dancer who brought professionalism and joy to British television. His death has prompted renewed conversations within the entertainment industry about:
- Duty of care towards performers
- Safeguarding at social events
- Mental health support during career transitions and periods of rejection
His former dance partner, Lisa Riley, and others spoke at the inquest about the deep emotional toll the loss of his Strictly role had on him.
