Strictly dancer Windsor's family thank fans

The family of former Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor have thanked fans for the "outpouring of love and celebration" for the professional dancer after his death aged 44.

The dancer appeared on the BBC One show from 2010 until 2013.

His cause of death has not been revealed, and his family asked for the "constant" speculation to stop.

They said: "We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin."

Their statement added: "While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief.

"We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

"We would ask that the constant media speculation stop. As we have further information we will share a statement in due course."

Tributes flooded in after news of his death broke on Tuesday, with the Strictly Come Dancing team saying they were "deeply saddened" by the loss of their "dear friend".

A statement added: "He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor."

During his time on Strictly, Windsor was paired with celebrities including model Patsy Kensit, actresses Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley, and Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden.

He also danced with Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas special and with Susanna Reid in 2011's Children In Need special.