By Elizabeth Cotton

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley remembered her late Strictly Come Dancing friend Robin Windsor as she wished him a “heavenly” birthday. While the actress made her Emmerdale debut as the iconic Mandy Dingle back in 1995, she’s also been booked and busy away from the village over the years. Outside of the Dales, Lisa competed on the 10th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 and was partnered with professional dancer Robin Windsor. They were eliminated from the show in week 11, missing out on a place in the final after Denise Van Outen and her partner James Jordan won the judges’ vote. Sadly, Robin was found dead in a London hotel room in February 2024, and at the British LGBT Awards he was awarded for his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and mental health posthumously. Lisa accepted the award on his behalf and was joined by Robin’s aunt Alison and sister Hayley. She shared: “Mental health in the gay community is really bad, and if I can help in any way… then I’ve done my bit. 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.” The actress continued: “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.” Taking to her Instagram, Lisa posted a black and white photo of her with Robin and reminisced on what would have been his birthday. She wrote: “Though you are not here with me for your Birthday @robinwindsor I know you are safe where you are dancing with the angels-it’s a lot quieter where you are, and that’s safer, you are sharing your sparkles and smile with everyone. “Happy Heavenly Birthday. I am keeping your energy alive here on earth as best I can-love you my angel”. Earlier this year, Lisa marked one year since Robin’s death, where she wrote the heartbreaking caption: “I love you Robin, I miss you more than words could ever say, I cry whilst I write this, but the quote does speak volumes, because I do see all the signs you send me, they always make me smile, as you will always be my forever Angel-you are loved, you were loved, always loved, I just wish you had heard it for yourself, you couldn’t”. Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.