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20th Feb 2024

Susanna Reid fights back tears as she announces Strictly star’s death live on air

Charlie Herbert

The pair had danced together on the show

Susanna Reid had to hold back tears as she announced the death of her former Strictly co-star Robin Windsor live on air.

On Tuesday (February 20), it was announced that Windsor had passed away at the age of 44. He had starred on the much-loved BBC show from 2010 to 2013, during which time he partnered Deborah Meaden, Lisa Riley, Anita Dobson and Patsy Kensit.

In 2011, Susanna Reid took part in the Children in Need special of Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered with Windsor.

The Good Morning Britain presenter became emotional as the news broke live on air, telling her co-host Ed Balls that he would have to read out the statement because she could not.

She said: “I’ve got some very sad news to break about a much-loved member of the Strictly Come Dancing family, because on their Facebook page today… I’m sorry I’m not going to be able to read this Ed because I danced with him.”

After Balls, who is also a former Strictly contestant, read out the statement announcing the news, he also paid tribute to Windsor.

He said: “I never was on the show at the same time as him, but his reputation long outlived his tenure on that show.”

Speaking about her time dancing with Windsor, Reid said he was “larger than life.”

She continued: “I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then.

“He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, incredibly strong and creative. He was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him, he was the most incredible personality. There was something very special about him.”

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood paid tribute to his former colleague on social media, describing him as “one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with.”