Strictly star Robin Windsor was laid to rest in a private funeral on Tuesday after his shock death at the age of 44.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara and Anton Du Beke joined former Strictly contestant Susanna Reid to pay their last respects to the professional dancer.
The funeral was held in his hometown of Ipswich with his closest family, friends and colleagues at the intimate service, which was an hour long.
Guests were asked to hold a rainbow umbrellas to celebrate his ‘colourful life’ and the service reportedly featured ’emotional and beautiful dance performances’.
Other celebrities in attendance included Deborah Meaden, Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley, Karen Hauer and her boyfriend Simon Davidson.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Janette Manrara (pictured) and Anton Du Beke joined former Strictly contestant Susanna Reid (right) to pay their last respects to Robin Windsor on Tuesday
Strictly judge Anton du Beke shared a tender hug with show professional Karen Hauer as they mourned the loss of their colleague
Guests were asked to hold a rainbow umbrellas to celebrate his ‘colourful life’ and the service reportedly featured ’emotional and beautiful dance performances’
Robin’s portrait was printed behind a flurry of songs, poems and eulogy’s on the order of service clutched by guests.
Robin’s Strictly co-stars Artem Chigvintsev and Aljaz Skorjanec carried the glitter-covered coffin into the crematorium to Queen song, No one but you (only the good die young).
The music continued when West End musical star Kerry Ellis sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow in an emotional moment for the 90 mourners, while Frank Sinatra’s I Did It My Way played as the mourners left the service.
During her speech, Robin’s close friend and Strictly partner Lisa Riley got some laughs when she referenced his love of fake tan, quipping that her pal ‘loved having seven layers of fake tan and then he’d go back in and have seven more!’
One guest told : ‘It was so sad. Robin should be on a cruise in South Africa with his dancer partner Gordana Grandiose but here we all are at his funeral. ‘
A family statement said: ‘The funeral will be a private service for invited family, friends and colleagues who were important to Robin in both his personal life and professional career.
‘In the meantime we once again thank everyone for the love and the memories shared of Robin.
‘As a family we also please ask for there to be no further upsetting speculation. We thank you for respecting our continued privacy at this difficult time.’
The professional dancer was laid to rest in a private funeral on Tuesday after he died aged 44
Anton Du Beke was in attendance to support fellow Strictly stars at the funeral and pay his respects
Guests were asked to hold a rainbow umbrella to celebrate his ‘colourful life’ and the service reportedly featured ’emotional and beautiful dance performances’ (Deborah Meaden pictured)
Other celebrities in attendance included Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley (pictured), Karen Hauer and her boyfriend Simon Davidson
Strictly’s Karen Hauer looked visibly emotional as she arrived to the funeral alongside her new boyfriend Simon Davidson
Celebrities, including GMB’s Susanna Reid, gathered outside before the service
Robin’s Strictly co-stars Artem Chigvintsev and Aljaz Skorjanec carried the glitter-covered coffin into the crematorium to Queen song, No one but you
On the back of the order of service, photographs of Robin were shared from his childhood
Robin’s portrait was printed behind a flurry of songs, poems and eulogies
The funeral was held in his hometown of Ipswich with his closest family, friends and colleagues at the intimate service, which was an hour long
Kevin Clifton and Janette both shared sweet posts dedicated to the late dancer as stars from the world of ballroom say a final farewell, prior to his funeral.
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images where she was cuddled up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji.
Alongside the photographs of herself and Robin, Janette wrote: ‘Love you always’, while former judge Arlene Phillips, wrote: ‘Wow. This photo touched my heart.’
Ashley Roberts, who appeared on the show in 2018, posted a praying hands emoji underneath Janette’s post.
One friend of Robin said: ‘Robin was so loved. The outpouring of grief following the tragic news of his death just showed just how much he meant to everyone in his life.
‘He was always such a larger than life character, fun to be around but always so open and honest about everything he was going through.
‘His greatest love was dancing so when they started planning his funeral everyone agreed that there had to be a performance that would be a beautiful tribute to everything he achieved in his career.
‘It’s going to be a very emotional day but everyone just wants to do Robin proud.’
Shortly before his death, Robin had spent time in South Africa where he performed on a luxurious cruise ship with Grandosek – a Slovenian ballroom star.
Details of how he died have not yet been disclosed but he spoke openly about his struggles with his mental health and he’d been in a dark place before leaving London and was putting off returning.
Kevin Clifton and Janette both shared sweet posts dedicated to the late dancer as stars from the world of ballroom say a final farewell, prior to his funeral
Janette, 40, shared a gallery of sweet images where she was cuddled up to Robin, while Kevin posted a black and white image alongside a broken head emoji
Alongside the photographs of herself and Robin, Janette wrote: ‘Love you always’, former judge Arlene Phillips , wrote: ‘Wow. This photo touched my heart’
Alongside the photographs of herself and Robin, Janette wrote: ‘Love you always’, while former judge Arlene Phillips , wrote: ‘Wow. This photo touched my heart’
He told a friend that he didn’t want to come home to the UK following an undisclosed incident over the New Year period.
Robin was ousted from Strictly in 2013 after injuring his back while doing a lift at a party in Blackpool where the show films during each series.
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff – his close friend and former Strictly co-star hinted that he may have taken his own life.
She wrote on Facebook: ‘There are no words to express the pain.
‘Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our career highlights to hitting rock bottom of rejection.
‘Many of you, who went to see his farewell tour, know perfectly well that he spoke very openly about his mental health struggles and thoughts of suicide.
‘I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loves Robin to hear that, but those thoughts were in his head for many years… Too much pain, too much disappointment, too much neglect.’
Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff – his close friend and former Strictly co-star hinted that he may have taken his own life
During his time on the main show from 2010 to 2013, Robin was paired with various celebrities – including Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden
Robin also danced with model Patsy Kensit, actresses Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley on the BBC One series.
For the Christmas specials, he was partnered with The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in 2015, and BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox.
Susanna Reid took part in 2011’s Children In Need special with the Latin and ballroom dancer.
Robin’s death was announced in February and Strictly’s team paid tribute, saying they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the loss of their ‘dear friend’.
According to his website, he began dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich and he went on to represent England in numerous championships at home and abroad.
Robin also appeared in the stage shows Come What May, a tribute to Moulin Rouge, and Burn The Floor.
Robin was previously in a relationship with Marcus Collins, right, a X-Factor finalist mentored by Gary Barlow – the couple had planned to marry but split in 2015.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, pictured in October last year, was found dead in a London hotel aged 44
Robin was previously in a relationship with Marcus Collins, right, a X-Factor finalist mentored by Gary Barlow – the couple had planned to marry but split in 2015