Kristina Rihanoff has been left "devastated" following the death of her dance partner Robin Windsor, and has told how the pair shared everything together from career highlights to "hitting rock bottom".
Kristina Rihanoff 'devastated' by Robin Windsor's death
The 46-year-old pro dancer has recalled being "blown away" by Robin's "kindness, light-hearted personality and amazing loyalty" when she was first partnered with her fellow former 'Strictly Come Dancing' pro dancer, who has passed away aged 44, and praised him for always finding a way to raise her spirits.
In a cryptic post, she wrote on Instagram: "There is no words to express the pain and devastation
"Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our careers highlights to hitting Rockbottom of rejection.
"When I got partnered with him on Strictly I was blown away by his kindness, lighthearted personality and amazing loyalty. He had stood by me through many rough times during Strictly for which I am deeply grateful for as there was no one else to lean on. He always found the way to bring my spirit up. However his own spirit was absolutely destroyed when he was dropped from Strictly and that’s where I started to see changes in his personality, depression and broken self worth.
"While we went on to do many shows tours gigs and appearances together he was struggling more and more with instability of work and excruciating back pain because of the injury he had suffered during Strictly.
"Sadly, us dancers, always neglect our health because we always after the next gig, the next job and he just couldn’t look after his injury properly until there was nothing left to do but have an operation which also put him out of work for quite some time. Unfortunately “stage live” of a dancer is short and nobody really cares because there is always the next person who can take your place and that’s the ugly truth. He often would say that he doesn’t know where he’s going and what’s will be next. (sic)"
Kristina also admitted she rejected several invitations to appear on TV shows to pay tribute to Robin on Tuesday (20.02.24).
She added: "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 a suicide. I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who love Robin to hear something like that, but those thoughts were in his head for quite many years and it’s so deeply sad that he felt that he is better to another place rather than stay here. Too much pain too much disappointment, too much Neglect
"I was asked today to appear on every news outlet, every TV show to pay tribute him to which I said no. Not today, not over zoom saying a couple of words what a great guy he was - the truth is he was an incredible person and it’s absolute tragedy that he felt there was no way out
"Thank you for everything Robin, rest in peace (sic)"
'Strictly' have also paid tribute to Robin, describing him as a "caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor".
The show said in a statement: "The whole 'Strictly Come Dancing' family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor.
"He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor.
"Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time."
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