February 22nd 2024.
Robin Windsor, who sadly passed away at the age of 44, will always be remembered for his significant impact on the popular show Strictly Come Dancing. In the 2014 series, Windsor and his dance partner Aljaž Škorjanec made history by being the first same-sex couple to perform on the programme. This groundbreaking moment paved the way for more inclusivity in the future.
During a group dance themed around cops and robbers, Windsor and Škorjanec partnered up for a few seconds, marking the first time two male dancers were choreographed in a hold. The performance also featured brief same-sex pairings with Natalie Lowe and Camilla Dallerup, followed by two more same-sex couples showcasing some energetic steps together. This special moment was celebrated by viewers, with many taking to social media to express their support and excitement.
Windsor himself described the dance as "very special" and exclaimed "Yay!" while speaking on the show's spin-off, It Takes Two. However, he also acknowledged that he wasn't sure if the British public was ready for a same-sex couple on the main show. He believed that it would be a good idea to test the waters with a Children In Need special or the Christmas show, and if the public loved it, then why not have a full series with same-sex pairings? He was open to anything that would promote inclusivity and diversity.
It wasn't until six years later that the first same-sex couple competed on the main show – Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and Katya Jones. Unfortunately, they had to withdraw early due to Katya's positive Covid test. However, the following year, Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were paired together and made it to the final. Windsor's contributions and efforts to promote inclusivity on the show had certainly paved the way for this moment.
After Windsor's passing, his former dance partner Aljaž paid tribute by sharing a selfie of the two on Instagram with the words "Rest easy dear friend." His former Strictly partners Alison Hammond, Deborah Meaden, and Lisa Riley also shared heartfelt messages, remembering him as a "forever angel."
Windsor's death was announced in a statement by Burn The Floor, the dance company he founded. The statement described him as a "journeyman" who had been a part of the company for twenty years, dancing around the world and helping to establish its reputation for being colorful, extreme, and sensual. His talent, energy, and personality were a big part of the company's success, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
If you have a story or any memories of Robin Windsor, please get in touch with our entertainment team. We would love to hear from you and celebrate the life of this talented dancer who touched the hearts of so many.
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