Kristina Rihanoff became emotional while giving evidence at the inquest into the death of her friend Robin Windsor, who passed away at 44, highlighting the psychological struggles faced by former contestants of Strictly Come Dancing.
Kristina Rihanoff, a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, was visibly emotional during the inquest into the death of her friend Robin Windsor. Windsor, who took his own life at 44 in February 2024, was remembered by Kristina for becoming increasingly subdued following a severe back injury that prevented him from participating in the show in 2014. The inquest revealed that his death was likely a result of a drug and alcohol overdose, shedding light on the pressures faced by competitive dancers after leaving the limelight.
During her testimony, Rihanoff described how Robin's personality changed significantly after his injury and subsequent departure from Strictly. She criticized the show for creating a 'very lonely space' lacking in adequate support for its contestants. This reflects a broader issue within the entertainment industry where performers, once celebrated, face isolation when they can no longer participate in their craft, leading to mental health challenges.
The inquest and Rihanoff’s heartfelt testimony have brought attention to the urgent need for better mental health support for participants in high-stress reality TV competitions. As more stories emerge about the adverse effects of the entertainment industry on mental health, it underscores the responsibility producers have to provide support systems for former contestants who might struggle with the transition away from public life.
