In a deeply emotional television appearance, Robin Windsor's former fiancé has publicly detailed the devastating injury that ultimately led to the Strictly Come Dancing star's removal from the BBC programme. Davide Cini spoke exclusively to ITV's This Morning, just days after a coroner's inquest formally ruled that Windsor's death in February 2024 was suicide.
The Career-Altering Injury
Davide Cini, who was engaged to the professional dancer in 2013, explained that Windsor never exhibited signs of anxiety or depression during his tenure on Strictly Come Dancing. However, everything changed following a severe and agonising injury sustained during rehearsals. "That really affected him; his contract was never renewed after that," Cini stated during the interview with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
The injury marked a catastrophic turning point in Windsor's professional life. Having been one of the show's principal dancers, his world "came crashing down" when the physical setback prevented his career from progressing. Cini observed a direct correlation between this career termination and the subsequent deterioration of Windsor's mental wellbeing.
A Longstanding Friendship
Despite their romantic relationship ending in 2014, Cini and Windsor maintained a close friendship. "We stayed friends, he lived with me on and off for six – seven years," Cini revealed. It was during this period that Cini witnessed Windsor's mental health decline firsthand, a decline he attributes significantly to the professional fallout from the injury.
Cini emphasised his desire for Windsor to be remembered for his "love and support" and for his substantial contributions to the LGBT community, rather than solely for his struggles.
The Inquest Findings
The inquest into Robin Windsor's death concluded after two days of proceedings at West London Coroner's Court. The 44-year-old dancer was found deceased at the Hoxton Hotel in Shepherd's Bush on February 19, 2024. Toxicology reports indicated his blood alcohol level was twice the legal drink-drive limit, and he had consumed the drug GBL.
After approximately two hours of deliberation, a ten-person jury returned a conclusion of suicide. The jury forewoman outlined that the probable causes were "an accumulation of many attributes to depression." They cited Windsor's childhood trauma, vulnerability to rejection, loneliness, lack of emotional maturity, mounting debts, insufficient mental health care, and recurring heartache as contributing factors.
Reflections on the Legal Process
For Windsor's friends and family, the wait for the inquest was an emotional two-year journey. "We kind of knew what happened," Cini said, "but obviously, the inquest had to happen." While acknowledging the necessity of the process, Cini noted its difficulty, stating it "opens old wounds." He also made a poignant observation about disparities in such investigations, remarking that many others in the LGBT community who have died did not receive the same level of scrutiny.
Remembering the Real Robin
Cini fondly recalled the man behind the public persona, describing him as genuinely caring and loving. "He was so caring, so loving, if anyone was struggling, he'd be the first to show up," he said, asserting that the Robin fans saw on television was authentic.
He shared the charming story of their first meeting, which began with Cini spotting Windsor from his Kennington apartment. After connecting on a dating app, their first date led to an inseparable bond. Their romance was famously nurtured by Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who orchestrated a romantic trip to New York that included a helicopter flight over the Statue of Liberty, where Windsor proposed.
Despite the eventual end of their engagement, which Cini said felt "too much" amid discussions about selling their wedding rights, their friendship endured. Cini's interview serves as a heartfelt tribute, aiming to shift the focus towards celebration and remembrance. "It's emotional but it's also time for us to look ahead and remember Robin," he concluded.
