Aljaz Skorjanec fights back tears in tribute to ‘beautiful’ Robin Windsor ahead of one-year anniversary of death

Strictly Come Dancing marked 20 years on the air with its 2024 series, and the milestone has been marked with a special look into the beloved BBC staple.

One segment in Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Fabulous Years, which aired at the weekend, looked at the dancers and contestants who have sadly died since they appeared on the show.

With two decades now under the show’s belt, there have inevitably been sad losses to look back on as well as the dazzling dances and comedic moments.

And in one moment as Robin Windsor was remembered, Aljaz Skorjanec was visibly emotional.

Windsor had been a professional dancer on the show between 2010 and 2013. Earlier this year, it was tragically revealed the 44-year-old had died in a London hotel room.

His past Strictly partners and co-stars shared fond memories of him during the milestone spin-off show.

Among them was Skorjanec, who himself made it to the final in this year’s series. He was close to tears as he talked about his “beautiful” friend.

“What a beautiful, beautiful friend, dancer… and just a kind man,” the 34-year-old commented in an emotional tribute.

He wasn’t the only one brought to tears by Windsor’s memory, with former contestant and actress Lisa Riley recalling her closeness with the late dancer.

“Whoever’s idea it was to put me and Robin Windsor together needs the biggest trophy of them all, bigger than a Glitterball,” she reflected.

Skorjanec’s wife and co-star Janette Manrara added: “He honestly was Mr Strictly. He was as camp as Christmas.

“More than than anyone I’ve ever seen before in my life, didn’t mind wearing sequins in any part of his body.”

Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden shared: “I did Strictly because I wanted to enjoy myself, and Robin understood that, and he was just the best partner.”

“The best part of me and Robin was just at my house, two cups of tea, gossiping like two besties on the couch together, you know?” Riley went on, adding: “I miss him very much.”

Also getting tearful, Karen Hauer recalled: “He always took care of us.”

“And I know full well he’s up there now, he’s dancing a foxtrot,” Riley added.

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“I said it in the eulogy when I read it at his funeral. And I said, ‘one day we’ll dance that foxtrot again together.’ And.., I truly believe that.”

Windsor died in February of this year, with the one-year anniversary approaching.

Heartbreakingly, details of his poor mental state in the years before his death came to light after the tragedy.

His dance partner Kristina Rihanoff detailed how her close friend was in “excruciating pain” and enduring “depression and broken self-worth” prior to his death, years after he was forced to quit Strictly due to injury.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.o quit Strictly due to injury.