Former Strictly Star's Ex-Partner Reveals Dog's Ongoing Grief in Emotional Television Appearance
Davide Cini, the former fiancé of late Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor, has shared heartbreaking details about their shared dog's continued reaction to Windsor's death during an emotional television interview. The 45-year-old appeared on ITV's This Morning with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary to discuss his relationship with Windsor, who died by suicide in 2024 at age 44.
Dog's Heartbreaking Daily Reminder
Cini revealed that their 13-year-old dog, Lukaz, still barks excitedly whenever the doorbell rings, believing it might be Windsor returning home. "He still barks when he hears the doorbell ring because he thinks it's Robin which breaks my heart every time," Cini explained emotionally during the broadcast. The couple had called off their engagement in 2012 but remained close friends and continued to share custody of their pet.
Relationship Dynamics and Public Pressure
The former partners had become engaged during a period of significant change, with Cini noting that 2012 marked the legalization of gay marriage in the UK. "I felt it was too much," Cini confessed about the media attention surrounding their relationship. "I was like: 'I'm happy to be behind the scenes guy.'" Despite ending their romantic relationship, the pair lived together intermittently for six to seven years, including during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Windsor's Kindness and Mental Health Struggles
Cini fondly remembered Windsor's compassionate nature, describing him as someone who would "be the first to show up" for anyone struggling. He recalled a specific instance when Windsor sent flowers during a cruise when Cini wasn't feeling well. However, Cini also detailed Windsor's significant mental health challenges, which became more apparent after the dancer's departure from Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 due to injury.
"Until after he was no longer on the show, I had never seen Robin struggling with depression," Cini revealed. He noted that while Windsor had been aware of Cini's own past mental health struggles, the dancer only truly understood such challenges when he began experiencing them personally later in life.
The Impact of Professional Setbacks
A note left by Windsor before his death highlighted the profound impact of losing his position on Strictly Come Dancing. "This all actually really started when I lost my place on Strictly and I have been fighting it ever since," Windsor wrote. "The way they treated me destroyed me. It started me on the road I'm still on. All I wanted from life was to be happy. I loved my job more than anyone else."
Coroner's Findings and Contributing Factors
West London Coroner's Court jurors identified multiple factors contributing to Windsor's mental health deterioration, including childhood trauma, vulnerability to rejection, loneliness, lack of emotional maturity, mounting debts, inconsistent mental health care, and recurring heartache. These elements collectively led to the tragic outcome, according to official findings.
BBC Response and Ongoing Support
A BBC spokesperson expressed continued sympathy for Windsor's family, friends, and colleagues, stating that the Strictly Come Dancing family "remain deeply saddened by his passing." The corporation acknowledged the complex factors contributing to Windsor's mental state at the time of his death, as detailed during the inquest proceedings.
For those struggling with similar issues, Samaritans offers confidential support 24/7 through multiple channels including phone, email, and their website. This Morning continues its regular programming schedule on ITV, providing a platform for important conversations about mental health and personal struggles.
