Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev appeared on Loose Women to discuss the passing of his friend and fellow dancer, Robin Windsor, who sadly died in March 2024 at the age of 44.
Kovalev spoke candidly about his close relationship with Windsor, recalling their shared experiences on the touring dance production Burn the Floor and their reunion when Kovalev joined Strictly in 2011. He emphasized the warmth and kindness Windsor possessed, saying, "I think everyone loved Robin. Everyone who ever met him loved him. He was just a big sweetheart."
The devastating news of Windsor's death left Kovalev, along with many others, reflecting on their friendship and the precious time they shared. "When you hear about something like that as a friend, you start thinking immediately: 'Could I have done something more? Could I have been there just for extra time, seeing him, talking to him, sending an extra message?'" he shared. This sentiment underscores the profound impact Windsor had on those who knew him.
To honor his memory and celebrate his life, Kovalev is one of the driving forces behind the upcoming tribute concert, "Robin Windsor: The Final Act," taking place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in November. This event aims to raise funds for SANE, a mental health charity close to Windsor's heart.
The concert, which will be hosted by Anton Du Beke and Windsor's former Strictly partner Lisa Riley, promises to be a moving celebration of his life and legacy. Kovalev emphasized that the event will focus on Windsor's passions: "We're remembering good things about Robin and the things he loved the most: singing, dancing, musical theatre. It's gonna be a sad show, but I think that's one of the ways we can remind everyone [of Robin] and remember him ourselves."
During his appearance on Loose Women, Kovalev also addressed the recent scandal surrounding allegations of mistreatment within the Strictly Come Dancing cast. Kovalev expressed his sadness and concern about the situation, highlighting the need for a culture of open communication and support. "It's sad and shocking that we're in the situation where we are right now. We need to find ways not to let that happen again. I'm sure a lot of people don't believe it. Some people come forward and are not being heard. We need to create the atmosphere where everyone will be heard and everyone will feel comfortable going out there to have the best times of their lives."
Kovalev's comments prompted a discussion among the Loose Women panel, all of whom have been Strictly contestants in the past. Penny Lancaster, who competed in 2007, shared her positive experience on the show, noting the presence of a camera in rehearsal rooms as a potential safeguard against misconduct. This sparked a debate about the effectiveness of cameras as a means of protection and the need for a more robust system of accountability within the show.
The BBC has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and stated their commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants. They have emphasized that they take any complaints extremely seriously and have procedures in place to address such issues.
The discussion on Loose Women highlighted the importance of remembering Robin Windsor's legacy while also shedding light on the need for addressing the serious concerns raised within the Strictly Come Dancing community. The upcoming tribute concert promises to be a heartfelt and fitting celebration of Windsor's life, while the ongoing investigations and conversations surrounding the scandal seek to create a safer and more supportive environment for future participants.
