Strictly stars attend the funeral of Robin Windsor following his tragic death : 'He was so loved!'

Janette Manrara and Kevin Clifton have led the tributes to Robin Windsor following his funeral.

The 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional was found dead in February at the age of 44 and was laid to rest in a ceremony that took place in his hometown of Ipswich on Tuesday (26.03.24), with several famous faces turning out to pay their respects.

Former 'Strictly' professionals Janette and Kevin were in attendance alongside judge Anton Du Beke and both of them posted black-and-white photos onto Instagram after the event.

Janette wrote: "Love you always', whilst Kevin shared a heartbreak emoji over a tribute image.

One friend of Robin said: "Robin was so loved. The outpouring of grief following the tragic news of his death just showed just how much he meant to everyone in his life.

'He was always such a larger than life character, fun to be around but always so open and honest about everything he was going through.

'His greatest love was dancing so when they started planning his funeral everyone agreed that there had to be a performance that would be a beautiful tribute to everything he achieved in his career."

Susanna Reid was also seen at the sombre event, and was joined by 'Dragon's Den' star Deborah Meaden and fellow professional dancer Karen Hauer.

'Good Morning Britain' host Susanna had taken part in a 2011 Children in Need special of 'Strictly' alongside Robin.

'Emmerdale' actress Lisa Riley - who was paired with Robin on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2012 - gave a speech about her friend and former co-star, where she joked about his love of "fake tan."

She later wrote on Instagram: "SUNSHINE THROUGH MY WINDOW THATS WHAT YOU ARE, MY SHINING STAR.Sleep well my lovely, you can finally rest from the noise."

The tragic star was carried into the service in a glittery coffin by co-strs Artem Chigvintsev and Aljaz Skorjanec whilst Queen classic 'No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)' played, and guests were encouraged to attend carrying rainbow umbrellas.

West End legend Kerry Ellis - who is known for her work with rocker Sir Brian May - continued the musical proceedings with a rendition of Judy Garland classic 'Over the Rainbow' during the emotional event.

Other stars who took to social media after the moving service included Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts - who competed on 'Strictly' in 2018 - as well as former judge and esteemed choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips.

One guest said: "It was so sad. Robin should be on a cruise in South Africa with his dancer partner Gordana Grandiose but here we all are at his funeral. "

TOwards the end of last month, the dance company Burn The Floor, which Robin co-founded, announced the late star's passing.

A Facebook post in the early hours of Tuesday morning read: "The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin “Bobby” Windsor - who has tragically passed away. A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years - including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world. His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual. His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever [heart-broken emoji] (sic)"