Strictly stars celebrate life of Robin Windsor and say he was a ‘human glitterball’ ngocc

   

The dancer had previously spoken about battling with depression

LATE Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has had his life celebrated by famous friends and VIPs.

His life was honoured at the emotional event held at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, called Robin Windsor: The Final Act.

Tributes poured in for Robin following the tragic announcement of his death

Tributes poured in for Robin following the tragic announcement of his deathCredit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Anton Du Beke with Gorka Márquez joined in the celebration of his life

Anton Du Beke with Gorka Márquez joined in the celebration of his lifeCredit: Michael Bowles/REX/Shutterstock

Angela Rippon attended the VIP reception for the late dancerRobin was partnered with Lisa Riley on the show in 2012 and she hosted last night's event

Angela Rippon attended the VIP reception for the late dancerRobin was partnered with Lisa Riley on the show in 2012 and she hosted last night's event

The glittering night was hosted by Robin's former 2012 dance partner and Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley.

She told the audience that she hoped the dancer would 'shine down on us all and keep shining in heaven'.

Co-hosted by Anton Du Beke, the judge introduced the show and compared Windsor to the Strictly trophy calling him 'a human Glitterball'.

The Ipswich dancer died in February aged 44 after being sent on ‘a downwards spiral’.

The dance pro had previously told how he battled with depression and the aftermath of being sacked from the BBC show a decade ago following an injury.

All profits from the night's silent auction went to mental health charity Sane, which Windsor was an ambassador for between 2010 and 2013.

The night saw performances from Strictly professional dancers Lauren Oakley, Aljaz Skorjanec with his wife Janette Manrara, and singing from Beverley Knight.

The show, organised by dancers Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis, concluded with a tear-jerking video montage of the dancer's life.

Riley said afterwards: “The important message is to keep talking and look out for your friends.”

Du Beke added: “Fellas don’t talk and tend to keep it to themselves. Get it out lads, speak to Sane.”

Strictly Come Dancing pays tribute to lost stars of show - leaving fans in tears

Other celebrities who attended included Linda Robson, Dr Ranj Singh, and Strictly stars Gorka Márquez, Joanne Clifton and Vincent Simone.

Singer Pixie Lott wowed in a floor-length red gown with a thigh-high split, while Angela Rippon dazzled in a red jumpsuit.

In an interview before his death, he said: “I was always seen as a happy person, always with a big smile on my face.

“Now I realise that those with the biggest smiles sometimes can hide the biggest pain.”

In his final Instagram post, he shared a haunting picture of himself with the message “hiding in the shadows”.

The sad statement at the time of his death confirmed: "The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin “Bobby” Windsor - who has tragically passed away.

Marjorie Wallace (SANE CEO and Founder) and Dr Ranj

Marjorie Wallace (SANE CEO and Founder) and Dr RanjCredit: Michael Bowles/REX/Shutterstock

Pixie Lott attended the tribute to Robin in a stunning red dress

Pixie Lott attended the tribute to Robin in a stunning red dressCredit: Michael Bowles/REX/Shutterstock

Loose Women's Linda Robson raised a glass to Robin

Loose Women's Linda Robson raised a glass to Robin

Robin first appeared on Strictly with Patsy Kensit in 2010

Robin first appeared on Strictly with Patsy Kensit in 2010