The death of Strictly star Robin Windsor has sent shockwaves through the showbiz world.
Aged 44, Robin’s death was announced earlier today (February 20). His cause of death is as yet unknown.
Robin was a dancer on the show between 2012 and 2014. A “horrendous” back operation saw him leave the show, but he kept dancing.
Just a month before his tragic death, Robin was dancing on a cruise ship in South Africa. He shared a poignant last Instagram post, too, about “hiding in the shadows“. It has now become a place for fans of the pro dancer to pay tribute.
Death of Strictly pro Robin Windsor
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood was among those paying tribute to Robin. He said that he was “one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people” he’d ever had the pleasure of knowing or working with.
One of Robin’s former partners Lisa Riley said that Robin is now her “forever angel”.
But, sadly, Robin isn’t the only member of the Strictly family to have tragically died in recent years.
Here, ED! pays tribute to all the Strictly cast and crew we’ve sadly lost over the years.
Strictly legend Len Goodman’s death
The death of Len Goodman was announced in April 2023. Len died in a hospice after a “short illness”, reported to be bone cancer.
He was diagnosed with cancer twice previously. In 2009 he had surgery for prostate cancer and in 2020 he had a skin cancer removed from his forehead.
The star was head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 until 2016. He was then replaced by Shirley Ballas, who remains on the show. During his time on the show he became famous for his catchphrases, including the legendary “SEVEN!”.
Bill Turnbull
BBC Breakfast star Bill Turnbull died in September 2022. He was 66.
The popular presenter and journalist was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, documented his condition after revealing it publicly a year later. Bill took part in Strictly when it was in its third series. He was partnered up with pro dancer Karen Hardy and the pair finished in sixth place in 2005.
Strictly Come Dancing winner Caroline Flack
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack blew everyone away with her with her incredible routines on Strictly.
She eventually went on to win the show with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev after scoring the perfect 120.
In 2020, she was sadly found dead in her London flat at the age of 40, after taking her own life.
In a tribute to Caroline that aired on the show, Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said: “She really was a joy. We will always love Caroline and we will never forget her.”
Paul Daniels
Magician Paul Daniels was known for hosting his Paul Daniels Magic Show with his wife and assistant Debbie McGee.
Even though he only lasted two weeks in the dance contest, Paul dazzled us all with his great efforts on Strictly in 2010.
Unfortunately he passed away 2016 due to a brain tumour.
Later, in 2017, his wife Debbie competed on Strictly in memory of her husband and made it to the final with Giovanni Pernice.
Gary Rhodes
Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes is known for his love of cuisine and cooking.
In 2008, Gary also enjoyed a fabulous three weeks on Strictly where he gave it his all.
The beloved chef died November 2019 at the age of 59.
He fell while working in Dubai and sustained a head injury and died later from a subdural haematoma.
His professional dance partner Karen Hardy said on social media: “I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time.”
Lynda Bellingham
Actress Lynda danced beautifully with Darren Bennett on Strictly back in 2006.
Even though Lynda only made it to the fourth week, she was still one of the best highlights of the show.
She was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and died a year later at the age of 66.
Strictly Come Dancing stylist Neale Pirie
Neale Pirie was a famous celebrity stylist and Strictly hair designer.
He was about to work on his fifth series of the show until he died at the age of 42 after complaining of chest pains.
Strictly’s head make-up artist Lisa Armstrong wrote on social media: “Utterly devastated and heartbroken over the loss of my sidekick and dear friend @Nealpirie such a talent and inspiration!”
Jason Wood
Comedian Jason Wood made us all laugh throughout his appearance on Strictly in 2004.
He and his partner Kylie Jones were only on Strictly for a couple of weeks but their performances were certainly memorable.
Unfortunately, he died in his sleep in 2010.
Willie Thorne
Professional snooker player Willie Thorne came 12th place in Strictly with his partner Erin Boag.
He sadly died in June 2020 due to leukaemia.
Erin Boag tweeted: “I have truly wonderful memories of the time I spent with him. I feel honoured to have danced with this great man.”
Strictly Come Dancing legend Sir Bruce Forsyth
Strictly’s legendary host Bruce Forsyth never failed to make us smile while he was hilariously presenting the show.
The nation’s favourite host passed away in 2017, three years after he left Strictly, after battling bronchial pneumonia.
His co-host Tess Daly paid a moving tribute to her friend: “From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing.
“I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain.”
Read more: Robin Windsor claimed Strictly didn’t want him to return following ‘horrendous’ back operation
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