Robin Windsor’s funeral will be a ‘colourful celebration of his life’ with mourners asked to ‘bring a rainbow umbrella’ when tragic Strictly star is laid to rest in Ipswich

Stars from the world of ballroom dancing will say their final farewell to Strictly dancer Robin Windsor on Tuesday – and mourners have been asked to bring a rainbow umbrella.

The funeral, which will take place in his birthplace of Ipswich, will be a ‘colourful celebration of his life’ and will feature ’emotional and beautiful dance performances’.

Celebrities like Susanna Reid, Lisa Riley and Kristina Rhianoff are expected to attend, as well as his latest professional dancer, Gordana Grandosek.

A friend of the late Windsor, who was found dead in a London hotel earlier this month aged 44, said: ‘Robin was so loved. The outpouring of grief following the tragic news of his death showed how much he meant to everyone in his life.

‘He was always such a larger-than-life character, fun to be around, but always so open and honest about everything he was going through.

Details of how he died have not yet been revealed, but he spoke openly about his struggles with his mental health and that he had been in a dark place before leaving London.

‘His greatest love was dancing, so when they started planning his funeral, everyone agreed there should be a performance that would be a beautiful tribute to everything he has achieved in his career.

‘It will be a very emotional day, but everyone just wants to make Robin proud.’

Shortly before his death, Windsor had spent time in South Africa, where he performed on a luxury cruise ship with Grandosek, a Slovenian ballroom star.

Details of how he died have not yet been revealed, but he spoke openly about his struggles with his mental health and had been in a dark place before leaving London and delayed his return.

He told a friend he did not want to come home to Britain after an undisclosed incident over the New Year period.

Windsor was kicked out of Strictly in 2013 after injuring his back during a lift at a party in Blackpool where the show is filmed during each series.

After his death, Kristina Rihanoff, his close friend and former Strictly co-star, hinted that he may have taken his own life.

She wrote on Facebook: ‘There are no words to express the pain.

Following his death, Kristina Rihanoff – his close friend and former Strictly co-star – hinted that he may have taken his own life

The professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, pictured last October, was found dead in a London hotel aged 44

Robin previously dated Marcus Collins, an X-Factor finalist coached by Gary Barlow – the couple planned to marry but split in 2015

“Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences, from the highs of our careers to hitting the rock bottom of rejection.

“Many of you who attended his farewell tour are well aware that he spoke very openly about his mental health issues and thoughts of suicide.

“I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loves Robin to hear that, but those thoughts were in his head for years… Too much pain, too much disappointment, too much neglect.”

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.