Former Strictly star who took his own life, Robin Windsor, was 'vulnerable to rejection'

A former Strictly Come Dancing star who took his own life in 2024 was "vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally", an inquest jury has concluded.

Professional dancer Robin Windsor, 44, was found dead in a hotel room in Shepherd's Bush.

He left a note saying the way he was treated when he was dropped from Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 "destroyed him", jurors at West London Coroner's Court heard.

After deliberating for around two hours, the forewoman gave the jury's findings on Thursday, saying: "We agree that the probable causes are an accumulation of many attributes to depression.

"Robin Jamie Windsor suffered from childhood trauma, he was vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally.

"We also agree that loneliness, the lack of emotional maturity, the pressure of mounting debts, the lack of consistent mental health care and support and reoccurring heartache are all contributing factors of Robin Jamie Windsor's mental health deterioration which in turn led him to take his own life."

Mr Windsor, a Latin and ballroom dancer, danced on Strictly for four seasons from 2010, pairing up with Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden and actresses Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley.

He couldn't dance in the 2014 series because of a back injury and was dropped in 2015, but still appeared in the Christmas special that year, paired up with TV presenter Alison Hammond.

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"I hope the family can take some comfort from the joy that Robin brought to so many people and the positive effect he had," said coroner Dr Anton van Dellen after the jury's conclusion.

"That is a wonderful legacy."

Addressing Windsor's family at the front of the courtroom, the coroner added: "I hope you can think of the happy times he brought to the public and the deep affection the public held him in."

In a statement issued on Mr Windsor's X account on Thursday evening, his family said: "It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge that Robin took his own life.

"As a family, together with Robin's close friends, we can now begin to move forward and attempt, over time, to rebuild our lives."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: Former Strictly star who took his own life, Robin Windsor, was 'vulnerable to rejection'