Emmerdale star Lisa Riley's says 'it's so painful' after death of Strictly best friend

Lisa Riley admitted she is struggling to cope after the death of close friend Robin Windsor.

Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional Robin and Emmerdale actress Lisa struck up a close friendship after being paired up on the BBC dance show in 2012. And Lisa admitted Robin's shock death in February has left her devastated and struggling to work.

Lisa, 47, told The Mirror: "To then lose my best friend as well... It was like, ‘Why does God take the best?’ It’s a pain like no other. He was such a big part of my life. There have been days when I didn’t want to go in front of the camera. I had to paint Mandy Dingle on… put the wig and lashes on and go out there. But it’s so painful.”

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And, Lisa has credited her 'Emmerdale' co-stars with helping her to cope. She said: "All of my friends at 'Emmerdale' have helped me. The Dingle sisters all share a dressing room and I can’t thank those girls enough. There are six of us. And everyone in that room has been a godsend beyond words. They have given me the energy to keep filming. They have been a great therapy."

Lisa revealed she hopes that the death of Robin, 47, can raise awareness and support for those suffering with their mental health. She said: "Robin struggled for a while. Mental health issues are rife within the gay community. It needs to be spoken about. We want gay men and women to know they can talk. They are not alone. They are loved, they are worthy.”

And she revealed that she wants to support mental health charity SANE, which Robin was an ambassador for, in his honour.

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