Monday, December 23, 2024

Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev fights back tears as he pays emotional tribute to late BBC dancer Robin Windsor

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Former Strictly professional Pasha Kovalev struggled to contain his emotions as he fought back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to the late Robin Windsor during Good Morning Britain on Thursday.

The dancer, 44, appeared teary as he admitted it feels like his friend ‘is still always around’ as he confessed the reality that his friend is no longer here is ‘still settling in’. 

Robin, who starred on the hit BBC show from 2010 to 2013, was found dead in a hotel room in London on February 19 aged 44.

And on November 3 several of Robin’s friends, Strictly co-stars and West End colleagues will come together to celebrate his life in an event called Robin Windsor—The Final Act at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. 

Discussing the event, which will be hosted by Robin’s former Strictly celebrity partner Lisa Riley, Pasha confessed: ‘It feels like he’s always around in a way, it’s strange, but it feels like he’s always there and guiding us.’

Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev fought back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to the late BBC dancer Robin Windsor during Good Morning Britain on Thursday 

Robin, who starred on the hit BBC show from 2010 to 2013, was found dead in a hotel room in London on February 19 aged 44

Robin, who starred on the hit BBC show from 2010 to 2013, was found dead in a hotel room in London on February 19 aged 44

He added: ‘I think it’s still settling, the realisation he’s not with us’ as he struggled to fight back his tears. 

Talking to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, Pasha described Robin as ‘amazing’.

‘Whenever he walked into the room it was like the room filled with bubbly fun and energy. 

‘Among his friends he was always the first to support, make sure that you feel comfortable, make sure that you are alright.’

Joined by fellow former Strictly dancer Anya Garnis, she added: ‘He was the most giving person I knew because if there was something going on in your life and you told him about it there would be a bouquet of flowers on my table on the same day.’

She continued: ‘It is heartbreaking, but he is so alive because we are creating the show as well so we are constantly looking at his pictures, videos and voice notes. 

‘It has been incredibly rewarding but also very difficult.’ 

Susanna also had her own personal connection with Robin after she lifted the Strictly Children In Need glitterball trophy with him after dancing in the charity special back in 2011. 

The dancer, 44, appeared teary as he admitted it feels like his friend 'is still always around' as he confessed the reality that his friend is no longer here is 'still settling in'

The dancer, 44, appeared teary as he admitted it feels like his friend ‘is still always around’ as he confessed the reality that his friend is no longer here is ‘still settling in’

Joined by fellow former Strictly dancer Anya Garnis, she added: 'It is heartbreaking, but he is so alive because we are creating the show as well'

Joined by fellow former Strictly dancer Anya Garnis, she added: ‘It is heartbreaking, but he is so alive because we are creating the show as well’ 

Susanna also had her own personal connection with Robin after she lifted the Strictly Children In Need glitterball trophy with him after dancing in the charity special back in 2011

Susanna also had her own personal connection with Robin after she lifted the Strictly Children In Need glitterball trophy with him after dancing in the charity special back in 2011 

The presenter gushed: 'He was an exceptional dancer he was a electric personality he crackles with electricity. He was a gorgeous man'

The presenter gushed: ‘He was an exceptional dancer he was a electric personality he crackles with electricity. He was a gorgeous man’

Any added: 'He was the most giving person I knew' and he would send people flowers if they were going through something difficult

Any added: ‘He was the most giving person I knew’ and he would send people flowers if they were going through something difficult 

The presenter gushed: ‘He was an exceptional dancer he was a electric personality he crackles with electricity. He was a gorgeous man.’ 

Speaking about the upcoming tribute show she added: ‘I would love Robin to be there at the show, I would love Robin to know what everyone was saying about him.’

Pasha concluded: ‘He was supposed to be on the Strictly tour with all the Strictly professionals and he was supposed to be with us and its heartbreaking that’s he’s not.

‘We will dance for Robin and remember him and dance for him one last time.’ 

Robin’s death prompted an outpouring of grief across the dancing world after he was found dead in a London hotel room in February. 

The star is said to have suffered a troubling incident over the New Year period, before embarking to perform on a luxurious cruise in South Africa.

Seven days earlier, the dancer had reposted a quote which said: ‘Trauma teaches you to expect and accept the bare minimum.

‘In this new season, may you adjust your standards and learn to receive the maximum. You are worthy. You are enough. You deserve overflow.’

His former partner Lisa Riley will host Robin Windsor—The Final Act, a celebration of his life   on November 3 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London

His former partner Lisa Riley will host Robin Windsor—The Final Act, a celebration of his life   on November 3 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London

Robin's death prompted an outpouring of grief across the dancing world after he was found dead in a London hotel room in February

Robin’s death prompted an outpouring of grief across the dancing world after he was found dead in a London hotel room in February 

And on January 4, he had shared a message with his friends and followers which said: ‘Big shout out and love to everyone who’s reached out and checked in the last week.

‘Sorry I have not replied… it’s been a bit of a trying time and things are looking up. Robin.’

Tributes poured in underneath the star’s last selfie, with one fan writing: ‘So shocked and saddened to hear the news. Have followed him for years since Strictly, an amazing talent. RIP.’

He spent his final days enjoying a safari as well as the sunny beaches of Cape Town.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org 

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