Strictly star shares heartbreaking photo of late co-star taken just weeks before death

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff has shared an emotional memory involving her late co-star Robin Windsor.

Kristina, who danced with Robin across the UK prior to his tragic death at the age off 44 earlier this year, took to social media to post a snap of herself and pal Robin taken this time last year.

In the picture, Robin can be seen smiling as he posed alongside Kristina, wearing a black tuxedo suit with a bowtie for the event just weeks before his passing. Kristina, who left Strictly after the 13th series in 2015, simply captioned the moving post: "Last December... Last time [broken heart emoji]."

Kristina's post comes just days on from a special tribute to Robin, who died on February 19, airing on TV. During a special episode commemorating Strictly's 20th anniversary which aired last week, the BBC paused to pay an emotional tribute to former stars from the show, including hosts, contestants, and dancers we've bid farewell to.

Robin's memory was cherished by his peers and friends in the dance community, with each person sharing heartfelt memories and reflecting on his unique impact. Emmerdale's Lisa Riley, who took to the dance floor with Robin in 2012, started off the poignant tributes with fond words: "Whoever's idea it was to put me and Robin Windsor together needs the biggest trophy, bigger than the Glitterball," she lovingly recalled.

'It Takes Two' host Janette Manrara chimed in with affectionate comments, saying: "He honestly was Mr. Strictly. He was as camp as Christmas. More tanned than anyone I've ever seen before in my life. Didn't mind wearing sequins on any part of his body." Entrepreneur Deborah Meaden then shared her own experience: "I did Strictly because I wanted to enjoy myself, and Robin understood that. And he was just the best partner."

Revisiting memories of simpler times, Lisa Riley reminisced about her companionship with Robin: "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?" Finally, Aljaž Škorjanec, beloved pro dancer, expressed his admiration: "What a beautiful, beautiful friend, dancer, and just a kind man."

Karen Hauer was visibly emotional as she recounted: "He always took care of us..." before her words faded. Lisa, fighting back tears, finished the tribute by saying: "I know full well he's up there now. He's dancing a foxtrot. I said it in the eulogy when I read it at his funeral. I said, 'One day, we'll dance that foxtrot again together.'" and concluded with a tearful belief, "And... I truly believe that."

Details surrounding Robin's tragic death are still unclear, although reports suggest his body was discovered in a London hotel. In the wake of his death, Robin’s grieving family gave a poignant statement to The Mirror : "We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin. While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief. We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

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