Inquest: Robin Windsor Died by Suicide After Difficult Times

An inquest has found that Robin Windsor, a dancer known for Strictly Come Dancing, died by suicide. The jury said that losing his job on the show, money worries, and feeling alone were important reasons. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
By Newsroom | UK News, Health |

The recent inquest into the death of Robin Windsor, a professional dancer known for his appearances on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, has concluded that he died by suicide. The jury's findings highlight a confluence of personal struggles, including financial pressures, loneliness, and the significant impact of losing his role on the popular television program. The investigation also examined the role of mental health support and his emotional state in the period leading up to his death in February 2024.

BBC issues statement after inquest finds 'vulnerable' Strictly star Robin Windsor took own life - 1

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

Robin Windsor, aged 44, was found deceased in a hotel room in Shepherd's Bush, west London. The inquest, held at West London Coroner's Court, reviewed evidence and testimony from friends, co-stars, and statements from Windsor himself.

BBC issues statement after inquest finds 'vulnerable' Strictly star Robin Windsor took own life - 2

  • February 2024: Windsor was found dead in a hotel room.

  • Inquest Proceedings: The investigation heard evidence detailing Windsor's state of mind, including written notes left at the scene.

  • Jury's Conclusion: The jury determined that Windsor died by suicide and identified several contributing factors.

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Key individuals and entities involved:

  • Robin Windsor: Professional dancer, former Strictly Come Dancing contestant.

  • Coroner Dr. Anton van Dellen: Presided over the inquest.

  • Jury: Concluded on the circumstances of Windsor's death.

  • Friends and Co-stars: Provided testimony regarding Windsor's mental state and struggles.

  • BBC: The broadcaster of Strictly Come Dancing, issued a statement following the inquest's conclusion.

Evidence Presented at Inquest

The inquest heard testimony and reviewed documentation that painted a picture of Windsor's personal circumstances.

BBC issues statement after inquest finds 'vulnerable' Strictly star Robin Windsor took own life - 3

  • Written Notes: Windsor left notes in his hotel room. One note indicated that his struggles began after losing his job on Strictly Come Dancing, stating, "This all really started when I lost my job on Strictly and have been fighting it ever since." He also wrote that the way he was treated "destroyed me." Another note was addressed to an ex-partner, Ollie Augustin, assuring him that the death was not his fault.

  • Testimony from Friends and Co-stars: Actress Lisa Riley stated that Windsor's "glow had gone" after he was no longer part of Strictly. She mentioned he was "drowning in debts," which sometimes led to him being unreachable. Friends also spoke of his loneliness and relationship issues.

  • Post-mortem Examination: A post-mortem examination suggested Windsor's death was likely due to an overdose of alcohol and drugs.

  • Jury's Findings: The jury agreed that loneliness, lack of emotional maturity, pressure of mounting debts, lack of consistent mental health care and support, and recurring heartache were all contributing factors to his mental health deterioration. They also concluded that he was vulnerable to rejection, both emotionally and professionally.

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"We also agree that loneliness, the lack of emotional maturity, the pressure of mounting debts, the lack of consistent mental health care and support and reoccurring heartache are all contributing factors of Robin Jamie Windsor’s mental health deterioration which in turn led him to take his own life." - Jury's findings presented at the inquest.

"The day that he was informed that he was no longer required for Strictly really broke his spirit." - Mr. Collins, as reported in the inquest.

The Impact of Strictly Come Dancing

A central theme emerging from the inquest is the profound effect Windsor's departure from Strictly Come Dancing had on his well-being.

BBC issues statement after inquest finds 'vulnerable' Strictly star Robin Windsor took own life - 4

  • Job Loss as a Catalyst: Windsor himself indicated in a note that the loss of his position on the show was a significant turning point in his struggles. He felt the treatment he received upon being dropped had a destructive impact.

  • Professional Rejection: The jury specifically identified vulnerability to professional rejection as a contributing factor. This suggests that the perceived abrupt end to his Strictly career weighed heavily on him.

  • Emotional Fallout: Friends corroborated that Windsor's spirit was "broken" after he was no longer required for the show. This suggests a deep emotional connection to his work on Strictly.

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"The way they treated me destroyed me … it started me on the road I’m still on." - Robin Windsor's note found at the scene.

Financial and Personal Strains

Beyond his professional life, Windsor faced considerable personal challenges that are understood to have impacted his mental health.

  • Mounting Debts: Testimony indicated that Windsor was experiencing significant financial difficulties, with debts causing him to be uncontactable at times. This suggests a persistent source of stress and worry.

  • Loneliness and Relationships: The inquest also highlighted issues of loneliness and difficulties in relationships as contributing factors. These personal connections, or lack thereof, appear to have played a role in his overall mental state.

  • Mental Health Support: A notable finding by the jury was the "lack of consistent mental health care and support." This raises questions about the adequacy of the care Windsor received or sought during his period of distress.

Vulnerability and Emotional State

The jury's conclusion that Windsor was "vulnerable to rejection emotionally and professionally" offers a key insight into his state of mind.

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  • Emotional Sensitivity: This descriptor suggests a deeper level of sensitivity to criticism or perceived slights, both in his personal relationships and his career.

  • Combined Pressures: The combination of professional setbacks, financial strain, and personal loneliness likely exacerbated this underlying vulnerability, creating a situation where he felt overwhelmed.

  • Deterioration: The jury’s consensus points to a gradual worsening of his mental health ("deterioration") over time, influenced by these interwoven factors.

Expert Analysis

The findings of the inquest have prompted reflection on the pressures faced by individuals in the public eye and the importance of mental health support.

  • Coroner's Remarks: Coroner Dr. Anton van Dellen expressed hope that Windsor's family could find comfort in the joy he brought to the public and the affection they held for him. He acknowledged the complex factors contributing to Windsor's death.

  • Media Statements: The BBC issued a statement following the inquest, acknowledging the findings and expressing condolences.

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"As the inquest has heard this week and the jury concluded, several complex factors contributed to how Robin felt at the time of his tragic death and our thoughts remain with all who knew and loved Robin." - Coroner Dr. Anton van Dellen.

Conclusion and Implications

The inquest into Robin Windsor's death has concluded that he died by suicide, a tragic outcome influenced by a combination of factors. The jury's detailed findings underscore the profound impact of job loss in the entertainment industry, financial hardship, and personal isolation on an individual's mental well-being.

  • Key Factors: The contributing factors identified by the jury include the loss of his role on Strictly Come Dancing, which he felt "destroyed" him, alongside mounting debts, loneliness, emotional vulnerability, and a lack of consistent mental health support.

  • Public Awareness: The case highlights the critical need for accessible and consistent mental health care, particularly for individuals in demanding professions who may be vulnerable to professional and emotional rejection.

  • Next Steps: While the inquest has concluded, the focus shifts to understanding how such pressures can be better addressed and supported within the entertainment industry and society at large, ensuring individuals have adequate resources to navigate difficult periods.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the inquest say about Robin Windsor's death?
The inquest found that Robin Windsor died by suicide. The jury said several things led to this, including job loss and money problems.
Q: What were the main reasons for his death?
The jury said that losing his job on Strictly Come Dancing, having money debts, feeling lonely, and not getting enough mental health support were key reasons.
Q: How did losing his job on Strictly affect him?
Robin Windsor wrote in a note that losing his job on the show "destroyed me" and started his difficult times. Friends also said his spirit was broken.
Q: Was Robin Windsor struggling with money?
Yes, friends told the inquest that he had "mounting debts" and sometimes could not be reached because of them.
Q: What did the coroner say?
The coroner hoped Robin's family would find comfort in the joy he brought and the love people had for him. He said complex factors led to his death.