A jury has ruled that Robin Windsor, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional, took his own life following a long period of mental health struggles, linking his death to the fallout from his departure from the BBC present. The inquest, concluded on Thursday, detailed a complex interplay of factors contributing to Windsor’s decision, including childhood trauma, professional rejection, and mounting financial pressures.
The 44-year-classic was found dead in a London hotel in February 2024 after consuming a combination of alcohol and gamma-butyrolactone, according to evidence presented at West London Coroner’s Court. A suicide note left by Windsor explicitly cited the manner of his treatment after being dropped from Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 as a key factor in his deteriorating mental state.
Jurors determined that the “probable causes” of Windsor’s death were “an accumulation of many attributes to depression.” Specifically, they cited unresolved childhood trauma, a vulnerability to both emotional and professional rejection, loneliness, a lack of emotional maturity, the burden of significant debt, insufficient consistent mental health care and support, and recurring heartache.
Windsor competed on Strictly Come Dancing for three series, from 2010 to 2013, partnering with celebrities including Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley, and Deborah Meaden. His departure followed a back injury that required surgery to remove a disc, and reports at the time suggested that BBC producers did not offer him a contract for the 2014 season. The inquest heard testimony from co-star Kristina Rihanoff, who described a noticeable change in Windsor’s demeanor following his injury.
The jury’s findings highlight a pattern of contributing factors extending beyond the immediate circumstances of his exit from the show. The pressure of mounting debts, coupled with a perceived lack of adequate mental health support, appear to have significantly exacerbated Windsor’s existing vulnerabilities. The inquest also underscored the impact of loneliness and a lack of emotional maturity as contributing elements to his decline.
Dr. Van Dellen, the coroner, expressed his condolences to Windsor’s family, acknowledging the joy he brought to many and the positive impact he had on others. The inquest concluded without any indication of planned institutional review or response to the factors identified as contributing to Windsor’s death.
