Former Strictly Come Dancing star Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor – known for his appearances on the show between 2010 and 2015 – has died suddenly at the age of 44.
He partnered model Patsy Kensit, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, Loose Woman Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden.
A heartbroken Susanna Reid, who danced with Bobby on Strictly for Children in Need in 2011, fought back tears on Good Morning Britain after she learnt of his death.
As tributes pour in for the beloved Latin and Ballroom dancer, MailOnline has looked back at some of the other stars of the programme that we have loved and lost over the years…
Former Strictly Come Dancing Star Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor – known for his appearances on the show between 2010 and 2015 – has died suddenly at the age of 44
Len Goodman
Len Goodman was one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most legendary judges.
He joined the show when it launched in 2004 and was a constant figure on the show until 2016.
‘It’s a 10 from Len!’, possibly became his most famous catchphrase and he also offered praise such as ‘You floated across the floor like butter on a crumpet’, and ‘That was a mango of a tango – delicious!’
Len goodman joined Strictly when it launched in 2004 and was a constant figure on the show until 2016
Len died in April 2023, at the age of 78, following a battle with bone cancer.
He was surrounded by his family and friends before he passed away in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Downing Street said Rishi Sunak had been upset by the death of the former Strictly judge.
‘He was a great entertainer and a popular face on TV screens up and down the country. He will be missed by many,’ the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
Strictly host Tess Daly led tributes to her former colleague, with a reference to his catchphrase ‘seven!’: ‘You were never a seven for me, Len you were always a ten.’
And judge Anton Du Beke paid tribute to his ‘dear friend of nearly 45 years’, calling him a ‘national treasure’.
Caroline Flack
Caroline Flack’s death in 2020 shocked fans across the globe.
The former X Factor presenter threw her hat in the ring for Strictly in 2014 – only a year before she landed her role as Love Island host.
She was an instant hit on the show and took home the glitterball trophy with partner Pasha Kovalev.
Caroline Flack was an instant hit on the show and took home the glitterball trophy with partner Pasha Kovalev
Caroline showed great rhythm, flexibility and agility and landed a perfect score of 120 points from the judging panel.
The TV star was found dead in her flat in North London in February 2020 at the age of 40. She had taken her own life.
It came the day after hearing that the Crown Prosecution Service would go ahead with a trial for allegedly attacking her model boyfriend and former tennis player Lewis Burton in December 2019.
Caroline’s death was ruled a suicide in an inquest in August 2020 with coroner Mary Hassell, saying: ‘The key decision for me to make is whether Caroline took her own life…
‘I have to be satisfied she acted in a way so as to cause her death, and secondly that she intended to cause her death.
‘In Caroline’s case I am entirely satisfied she intended to cause her own death. She hanged herself. She had only one expectation – her own death. There’s no doubt in my mind at all.’
After news of her death, judge Bruno Tonioli said: ‘She really was a joy. We will always love Caroline and we will never forget her.’
Bruce Forsyth
Sir Bruce Forsyth was a Strictly Come Dancing icon and the host on the show until 2014.
Bruce’s career in the entertainment industry spanned 70 years and started long before he became the frontman on the BBC show.
His catchphrases which included ‘Nice to see you, to see you, nice, ‘Didn’t they do well?’ and ‘Your’e my favourites!’ became legendary.
Bruce co-hosted the show along with Tess Daley who he liked to call ‘Miss Sunshine’.
He died in 2017 of pneumonia at the age of 89. Bruce had not been seen in public for some time before his death due to ill health.
Bruce was unable to attend the funerals of close friends Ronnie Corbett and Sir Terry Wogan in 2016.
After news broke of his death, Tess paid tribute to him.
Sir Bruce Forsyth was a Strictly Come Dancing icon and the host on the show until 2014
She said: ‘From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain.
‘He was a gentleman and a true legend and I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie, his wife, and his beautiful family at this sad time.’
Claudia Winkleman added: ‘He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people, all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love. The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We’ll miss him so much.’
Willie Thorne
Professional snooker player and funnyman Willie Thorne was part of the Strictly Come Dancing line-up in 2007.
He was up against stiff competetion which included Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon and Gethin Jones and Matt Di Angelo.
Willie finished in 12th place and partnered Latin ballroom professional Erin Boag.
He died in 2020 at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with leukaemia. He passed away in hospital in Spain after suffering ‘septic shock’ following respiratory failure.
Erin paid tribute to her former dance partner on social media, writing: ‘I have truly wonderful memories of the time I spent with him.
‘I feel honoured to have danced with this great man.’
Willie Thorne finished in 12th place and partnered Latin ballroom professional Erin Boag
Willie became a snooker pro in 1976 aged 21 and went on to reach two World Championship quarter-finals, winning his only ranking title – the Mercantile Credit Classic – in 1985. He became popularly known as Mr Maximum for holding the record for the most maximum 147 breaks.
He starred as part of snooker’s ‘Matchroom Mob’ and went on to become a BBC and Sky commentator
Gary Rhodes
TV chef Gary Rhodes passed away suddenly at his home in Dubai in 2019 at the age of 59.
He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 with partner Karen Hardy.
A family statement confirming his death reading: ‘In order to end painful speculation surrounding the sudden passing of our beloved Gary Rhodes OBE, the Rhodes family can confirm that after a successful day shooting with Rock Oyster Media for ITV here in Dubai, Gary returned home in a very happy mood for a peaceful evening with his wife Jennie.
TV chef Gary Rhodes passed away suddenly at his home in Dubai in 2019
‘After dinner, Gary unfortunately collapsed in their residence and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately passed away due to subdural haematoma.
‘At this time, there are no other details and the family would again request privacy around this very tragic loss and again, thank friends and family for their ongoing support at this time.’
Karen also paid tribute to him: ‘I am truly speechless and lost for words but my heart and thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time.’
Gary fronted several TV shows including Rhodes Across India, MasterChef, MasterChef USA, Hell’s Kitchen, and Rhodes Around Britain, was one of Britain’s best-loved chefs.
In 2006 he was made an OBE and two years later appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Paul Daniels
Paul Daniels joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up in 2010 at the age of 71.
The magician partnered professional dancer Ola Jordan, and despite only being in the competition for a few weeks, he certainly made his mark on the show.
Paul Daniels joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up in 2010 at the age of 71
Paul was known for The Paul Daniels Magic Show which he starred in alongside his wife and assistant Debbie McGee.
The magician passed away at home in Berkshire in March 2016 after a brain tumour diagnosis less than a month earlier.
A year later, his wife Debbie joined the Strictly line-up herself in memory of her husband.
Debbie was a hit on the show and made the final along with her partner Giovanni Pernice.