Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev fights back tears after Robin Windsor’s death

The former Strictly Come Dancing pro told Good Morning Britain of his 'heartbreak' after friend Robin Windsor's death.

Watch: Strictly's Pasha Kovalev fights back tears as he talks about Robin Windsor's death

Strictly Come Dancing's Pasha Kovalev has fought back tears as he admitted he is still struggling to accept Robin Windsor's death.

The former pro dancer on the BBC show was good friends with co-star Windsor, who died in February aged 44, and told Good Morning Britain about a tribute show he and some of Strictly's other well-known faces are putting on in his memory.

Kovalev also appeared alongside former Strictly pro Anya Garnis, and they shared their memories of Windsor with host Susanna Reid who had won the Children in Need Strictly special with him.

Strictly star Pasha Kovalev opened up on losing friend Robin Windsor. (ITV screengrab)
Strictly star Pasha Kovalev opened up on losing friend Robin Windsor. (ITV screengrab)

Former Strictly Come Dancing stars Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis shared their memories of friend and co-star Robin Windsor with Good Morning Britain on Thursday, as Kovalev fought back tears speaking about his death.

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Windsor died in February aged 44 and some of his former co-stars and friends are performing a tribute show in his memory at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane on 3 November, titled Robin Windsor - The Final Act. All profits from the show will go to mental health charity SANE, which Windsor was a supporter of.

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid, who won the Children in Need Strictly special with Windsor in 2011, said: "I would love Robin to be there at the show, I would love Robin to know what everyone's saying about him."

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing

Robin Windsor was a star on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)
Robin Windsor was a star on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)

Kovalev looked tearful as he replied: "It feels like he's always around. It's strange, but it feels like he's always right there guiding.

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"I think it's still settling, the realisation that he's not with us."

He added: "He was supposed to be on the tour with other Strictly professionals - James Jordan, Brendan Cole, Vincent Simone - he was supposed to be with us and it's heartbreaking that he's not...The show has to go on and we will remember Robin and dance for him and sing for him one more time."

Ex-Strictly pro dancer Anya Garnis, who had danced professionally with Windsor, hinted at the struggles he had faced after leaving the BBC show's cast following the 2013 series.

She said: "He didn't like change, but he had to endure a lot of change after leaving Strictly. Dancing with him, he just gave the most warm energy."

Garnis added of putting together the tribute show: "He's so alive, because we're creating the show as well so we constantly have to look at his pictures, videos, voice notes and so it's been extremely rewarding but also very difficult."

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The Final Act will include appearances from Layton Williams, Nikita Kuzmin, Pixie Lott, Beverly Knight and Deborah Meaden, as well as his 2012 partner Lisa Riley who became a close friend.

Kovalev said of Riley: "They became best friends and Lisa will be hosting our event."

He also added of his friend: "He was amazing. Whenever he walked into the room it was like the room filled with bubbly, fun energy. Among his friends, he was always the first one to support, the first one to make sure that you feel comfortable, make sure that you are alright."

Good Morning Britain airs on ITV1 at 6am on weekdays.

For confidential emotional support contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org