Robin Windsor’s ex boyfriend has paid tribute to the late dancer after his shock death aged 44.
X Factor star Marcus Collins, 35, dated the Ballroom and Latin professional for 18 months before ending their romance in 2015.
After the news of Windsor’s passing was announced on Tuesday morning, Collins took to Instagram to share a montage of snaps with the dancer.
He captioned the snaps: ‘The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin You were so loved.’
The couple began dating after Collins reached out to the dancer to compliment his physique after he featured on the cover of Gay Times.
Robin Windsor’s ex boyfriend Marcus Collins has paid tribute to the late dancer after his shock death aged 44, saying the world is a ‘lot less sparkly’
At the time, Windsor explained: ‘Marcus tweeted me to say “You’re looking really good, well done!”
‘We’d first met at ITV studios a few years ago, when I passed Marcus in the corridor and asked for a photo because he was very handsome.
‘From then on there was no contact whatsoever until I appeared on the GT cover.
‘After my last relationship ended I was on the rebound and on the warpath thinking, I must find a boyfriend.
‘Deborah Meaden told me to get myself together, concentrate on work, forget about men, and enjoy life. As soon as I did that, Marcus came along.’
Sadly their relationship didn’t go the distance, but the couple had already discussed marriage plans, revealing they wanted to tie the knot in a Downton Abbey style castle or British estate.
Several Strictly stars have paid tribute to Windsor, including his 2012 show partner Lisa Riley and judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Revel Horwood penned: ‘I have just heard the tragic news my dear friend ’Bobby’ Robin Windsor has passed.
‘He was one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with. He will be forever missed.
‘My heart goes out to all his family & friends. RIP darling man, you were truly loved x’.
X Factor star Marcus Collins, 35, dated the Ballroom and Latin professional for 18 months before ending their romance in 2015 (pictured)
Professional Latin and Ballroom dancer Windsor was best known for his appearances on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing for five years between 2010 and 2015.
He partnered with model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, Loose Woman Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden during his stint at the show. He also performed with This Morning host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas Special.
Riley, 47, was among those paying tribute, sharing a collage of pictures with the late dancer as she reflected on the loss of her ‘bestie’.
She shared: ‘My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel…….now our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart, I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. SHINE IN PEACE.’
James Jordan, 45, paid tribute to his ‘old friend’, by sharing: ‘I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly.
‘Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend #RobinWindsor #legend.’
Karen Hauer, 41, shared a series of snaps of the dancer on Instagram, writing: ‘I’m Heartbroken… Robin, you Beautiful human being . I can’t believe it. RIP.’
Alongside a selfie with the late dancer, Amy Dowden, 33, shared: ‘In such shock this morning to wake up to the news [broken heart emoji]. RIP @robinwindsor. Such a kind, talented soul [crying emoji].’
5 News host and former Strictly contestant Dan Walker revealed Windsor had reached out to him when he competed on the show in 2021.
He penned: ‘How sad to hear about the death of Robin Windsor. Just 44 years old!
‘He sent me the kindest message when I was on Strictly and he was loved by so many on that show.’
Strictly Come Dancing stars came together on Tuesday to express their shock and heartbreak at Robin’s tragic death (pictured with Lisa Riley)
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood shared a heartfelt tribute, writing: ‘He was one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing’
Riley – who was partnered with Windsor when she competed on Strictly in 2012 – shared a collage of pictures with the late dancer as she paid tribute to her ‘bestie’
James Jordan also paid tribute to the late dancer (pictured on the Strictly Live Tour in 2013)
Karen Hauer, 41, shared a series of snaps of the dancer on Instagram, writing: ‘I’m Heartbroken… Robin, you Beautiful human being . I can’t believe it. RIP’
Alongside a selfie with the late dancer, Amy Dowden, 33, expressed her shock at the news
Neil Jones revealed it was ‘always a joy’ to be around the late dancer
Graziano Di Prima was left in a state of shock at the news and shared a selfie with the star
Performance arts theatre Burn The Floor, where Robin danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing.
Fellow dancer Giselle Rojas Peacock wrote: ‘I was shocked to find out today we lost another Dancer and Friend Robin Jamie Windsor.
‘This one hits home as we had so many years dancing performing and touring together all over the world in Burn the Floor.
‘One of the original members and poster boy of Burn, Bobby was so loved by everyone, the sweetest human. Just like a massive teddy bear.
‘You light up the stage with such an energy and it was always a pleasure to dance with you.
‘We had so many laughs, tears, highs and lows together and even though life took us in separate directions and the lord has taken you to soon, I think all us will cherish so many memories with you in them.
‘RIP my good friend. My heart breaks today for all who loved you. And there were many.’
Strictly choreographer Patrick Helm said Robin was unaware of how much he meant to people.
He wrote: ‘I don’t even know how to find the words to this post. I will dearly miss you Robin Windsor. This one is hitting me hard and too close to home.
‘My deepest condolences go to your family and everyone who knew you! You were another one who was loved by so many but couldn’t see it himself.
‘May you finally be free and find piece. RIP Bobby.’
Fans and friends flooded X with tributes, sharing: ‘Robin Windsor was a lovely man whom I used to chat with in DM all the time. I’m absolutely devastated to hear of his passing. This is such awful news.’;
‘I’m in disbelief. Robin, the beautiful person you were. The world has lost so much more than your talent. I will always remember you for your kindness and generosity. I wish I could turn back the clock. Always part of the BTF family ❤️ #robinwindsor.’
Performance arts theatre Burn The Floor, where Windsor danced for 20 years and was a founding member, said there is a ‘void’ in their heart since the tragic passing
Fans and friends flooded X with tributes to the late dancer as they expressed their upset
Windsor’s spokesperson told : ‘It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
‘Robin’s dancing started from a very young age and never stopped. He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun.
‘He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance. Strictly Come Dancing, Burn The Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country who he gave his time.
‘Robin was a strong advocate for mental health and worked closely with the Sane Charity
‘The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today. We ask for the family’s privacy at this very difficult time.’
Sisco Entertainment told BBC News: ‘His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth.
His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless. His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed.’
The Suffolk-born star, who started dancing at the age of three, was an original member of dance show Burn The Floor, who paid tribute to the star on their official website in the wake of his shock death.
Their statement read: ‘Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor – who has tragically passed away.
‘A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world.
‘His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual.
‘His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever’.
Founder of Burn the Floor and friend of Robin, Harley Medcalf, said: ‘We have lost a beautiful friend, Robin Windsor, Bobby, one of the founding members of the Burn the Floor family.
‘Robin has passed away in England. A generous, extremely talented dancer, full of energy, life and love.
‘His stage presence defined the Burn the Floor company. Whenever we visited London, Robin was always the first to call, always there to support, celebrate, laugh and cry together.
‘In the photo attached a highly emotional Robin was just off stage after his last performance with Burn The Floor Reunion Tour in Birmingham in 2022.’
‘Our hearts are broken he will be greatly missed by all his friends, family and fans around the world.’
From the age of three, Bobby studied Latin and Ballroom and his talent and commitment to his vocation took him to the highest level of competition where he won numerous World Championships.
Bobby debuted in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 alongside professional partner Kristina Rihanoff – a long-term relationship which saw them dance all over the world.
In 2018, Robin opened up about his struggle with depression while he featured on Strictly Come Dancing, saying: ‘We all have dark days but I was having dark weeks.
‘I would end up not getting out of bed for four or fives days at a time, as far as everyone was concerned I was ‘happy Robin’ – expect to the people I lived with.’
Robin also experienced mental health issues when he suffered two huge setbacks, losing his job on Strictly and splitting with his fiancé.
Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor during Strictly Come Dancing launch event at the BBC Studios back in 2011
Robin Windsor and Deborah Meaden on Strictly Come Dancing
Windsor’s last post on Instagram which was captioned, ‘hiding in the shadows’
He said: ‘I was still on Strictly at the time it started – it was really bad. A lot of things happened at the same time, quite bad things, which set it in motion.
‘My injury, a financial situation, my engagement [to Davide] had ended and I lost my job on Strictly all at the same time so it took its toll.’
Robin was previously engaged to ex-partner Davide Cini and proposed on a romantic New York helicopter ride in 2013 before splitting years later.
He dated former Strictly contestant Marcus Collins.