Robin Windsor inquest LIVE: 'Drowning in debt and battling dark demons', says Lisa Riley
An inquest into the death of Robin Windsor reveals struggles with mental health and financial issues as shared by his close friend Lisa Riley.
An inquest is currently ongoing regarding the tragic death of Robin Windsor, a former professional dancer from 'Strictly Come Dancing', who took his life at the age of 44 in February 2024. The hearing is providing insights into Windsor's personal struggles, with his close friend Lisa Riley testifying about the profound emotional challenges he faced. She described Windsor as being engulfed in 'imposter syndrome' and revealed that he had previously been molested by an old dance teacher, which likely contributed to his mental health issues.
Additional testimonies further paint a picture of Windsor's obsessive connection with the show 'Strictly Come Dancing', which he continued to scrutinize years after leaving the program. Witness John Gleede indicated that Windsor was frequently preoccupied with watching footage of the show, hinting at a struggle to detach from the fame and pressures that came with it. This obsession combined with significant financial difficulties reportedly worsened his mental health state, leading him to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
The inquest not only seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding Windsor's death but also serves to highlight the critical issue of mental health awareness, particularly in the performing arts. The emotive testimonies underline the often-hidden struggles dancers and performers face, pointing to the urgent need for support systems and conversations around mental health within such high-pressure environments. The support resources issued by Samaritans at the conclusion of the report reflect the seriousness of the topic at hand and aim to provide avenues for those in need of help.