Emmerdale star Lisa Riley says 'I lost my best friend' as she sought therapy after Strictly Come Dancing favourite's death

The Emmerdale actress was devastated by the loss of her best friend, former Strictly Come Dancing star Robin last year

Lisa Riley has told how she sought therapy after Robin Windsor's death. The Emmerdale actress was devastated by the loss of her best friend, former Strictly Come Dancing star Robin last year

There was an outpouring of shock and sadness iwhen it was announced the professional dancer had died with the news confirmed by Sisco Entertainment, which represented him in various areas of theatre and corporate entertainment on February 24, 2024.

Robin joined Strictly 2010 and in his first year, he was paired with EastEnders star Patsy Kensit. But he had to leave four years later due to an injury. The closest he got to winning was coming in fifth place with Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley in 2012, with the popular pairing finishing in 5th place.

Lisa's now spoken how she turned to counselling to help her deal with his death, which was also followed by another heartbreaking family loss for the soap star.

Speaking to OK! magazine, Lisa, 48, shared: "I’d never had therapy since losing my mum in 2012. However, with Robin, I had to start having therapy. It really does work.

"I lost mum, then Robin, and two and half months after Robin we lost my aunt suddenly when she was on holiday. She died having dinner. It was awful."

Speaking about their close relationship, Lisa said: "I lost my best friend. I'm so lucky with our dressing room crew at work. Without those girls, some days, I wouldn't be able to carry on. I put the wig on, the make-up and the costume and be funny, but my heart's hurting.

"My husband-to-be Al has been amazing, but yes, I lost my gay best friend. He and I were Velcro together. I put Mandy Dingle's lashes on and kept going – that's exactly what I did with my mum. That was my coping mechanism."

Last June, while presenting at the British LGBT Awards, Lisa paid tribute to Robin, saying: "I wish he was here, he should be on my arm covered in sparkles and having a ball, but the energy he had is imprinted on my heart.

"He would be shining down and laughing at us. His vibrancy, energy, and zest for life was out there for everyone to see. He wasn't a hidden gay man, he was a proud, proud gay man."