Robin Windsor died in unexplained circumstances in February, and his Strictly Come Dancing partners and friends shared their moving memories of him during a BBC special

Beloved Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor passed away at the age of just 44, found on February 19 this year, and emotions were high during a beautiful tribute in his name.

The BBC celebrated the 20th anniversary of Strictly in a special episode today, and took a moment to remember those involved – hosts, contestants, and pro dancers – who we’ve lost over the years. Robin was honoured by his colleagues and dancers, all of whom highlighted how special he was to them and felt comfortable to let their grief show.

Emmerdale star Lisa Riley – who danced with Robin in 2012 – began the touching homage. “Whoever’s idea it was to put me and Robin Windsor together needs the biggest trophy, bigger than the Glitterball,” she said.

It Takes Two host Janette Manrara lovingly added: “He honestly was Mr. Strictly. He was as camp as Christmas. More tanned than anyone I’ve ever seen before in my life. Didn’t mind wearing sequins on any part of his body.”

Actress Lisa Riley teared up as she shared some of the words she said during her eulogy at Robin’s funeral ( 
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BBC)

Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden followed, saying: “I did Strictly because I wanted to enjoy myself, and Robin understood that. And he was just the best partner.”

“The best part of me and Robin was just at my house, two cups of tea, gossiping like two besties on the couch together, you know?” Lisa described in the moving montage, before pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec praised: “What a beautiful, beautiful friend, dancer, and just a kind man.”

Karen Hauer explained: “He always took care of us…” with her words tailing off as she struggled to continue. Lisa returned and closed the tribute: “I know full well he’s up there now. He’s dancing a foxtrot. I said it in the eulogy when I read it at his funeral. I said, ‘One day, we’ll dance that foxtrot again together.’” the actress started tearing up as she finished, “And… I truly believe that.”

The late Robin was described as kind, caring and ‘the best partner’ by those who knew him best on Strictly ( 
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Liverpool Echo)The cause or exact date of Robin’s tragic death isn’t yet known, but it has been reported that his body was found inside a London hotel. Robin’s family shared a heartbreaking following his death. A statement shared with The Mirror read: “We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin. While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief. We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”

Prior to his sudden passing, he reportedly confided in a friend about a “troubling incident” that took place over the New Year. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the friend of the late star recalled: “He kept saying that something had happened over New Year but he wouldn’t say what it was. He sounded absolutely traumatised – whatever had happened must have been truly awful.” Before his death, Robin spent his final days working on a luxury cruise ship and exploring Africa.