HomeTVStrictly Come Dancing 2014 Robin Windsor launch interview

Strictly Come Dancing 2014 Robin Windsor launch interview

Robin Windsor is without a doubt one of the most popular male pros on Strictly Come Dancing and we were gutted when we heard he was having to pull out of this yearā€™s show due to injury.

Despite not being able to dance on the show, Robin will still be heavily involved this series and weā€™ll be catching up with him weekly to talk about all the dances from the live shows.

We caught up with Robin to talk about this yearā€™s Strictly launch, find out who he thinks is this yearā€™s dark horse and get an update on how heā€™s feeling after his operation.

Something everyone wants to know is how your recovery is going?

I made the heartbreaking decision back in the summer to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing this year because of my back injury. I had to have what is known as L5S1 discectomy which is a whole load of jargon to me but is apparently quite important. Iā€™m well on the road to recovery and Iā€™ll be back dancing before I know it. It just fell at the most inconvenient time possible.

We know that you arenā€™t able to dance on the series this year but youā€™re still going to be involved?

All going to plan I hope to make a few appearances on It Takes Two during the series. Hopefully Iā€™ll be ok in time for the Christmas special but I canā€™t guarantee that yet because I have to get the doctorā€™s all-clear before I do anything.

Even though youā€™re not on the show youā€™ll be watching it every week. The launch show aired at the weekend revealing this yearā€™s pairings. What do you make of the couples this series?

I think weā€™ve got some very interesting pairings this year. One of my ones to watch is Judy Murray. She seems to be a natural. Sheā€™s extremely fit for her age.

Do you think she could be the dark horse of the competition?

I think Judy Murray could be the one to watch that people just arenā€™t expecting. I think she could well be the dark horse.

Was it bittersweet watching the launch show and wishing you were there?

It was really, really tough for me to sit at home and watch the launch show, especially knowing I should have been there. Everyoneā€™s done such an amazing job and Iā€™ll be there supporting week upon week. Iā€™ll be giving my opinions on BBC nationwide radio on Monday mornings.

Alison Hammond
Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston

If you had been dancing this series, which of the celebs would you have wanted to dance with?

Ooooā€¦if I had been there this yearā€¦itā€™s a tough one because itā€™s such a great cast this year. Whoever did the booking deserves a medal. We have a much younger cast this year thatā€™s much more energetic and so vibrant. If I had to pick someone I would have liked to have danced with Iā€™d have to go with Alison Hammond because I know weā€™d have a lot of fun or Caroline Flack because I think sheā€™s wonderful.

There have been a lot of changes to the pro line-up this year. What do you make of the new professionals?

Weā€™ve got three great new professionals this year and Iā€™ve worked with them all before. Joanne we all know is Kevin from Grimsbyā€™s sister, Tristan MacManus has come from Dancing With The Stars where he got to dance with Pamela Anderson and Gladys Knight, and Trent Whiddon has come from Burn The Floor and Dancing With The Stars Australia. Actually all three have come from Burn The Floor! They are all great personalities to work with and great fun. Tristan is an absolute charmer and we all love him. Joanne is extremely quirky and sheā€™s going to be a great addition to the Strictly family.

Artem has departed the show this year and is now on Dancing With The Stars where heā€™ll be dancing with Lea Thompson. Have you heard anything from him about how heā€™s getting on?

I spoke to Artem recently and he was wishing me well and checking I was ok. Itā€™s really sad when your best friend hops across the pond to join the other show but heā€™s doing amazing and I wish him so much luck.

What tips would you give the new celebrities ahead of the live shows?

Performance. Thereā€™s nothing worse than hitting the dance floor and looking like youā€™re petrified. Grab hold of your professionalā€™s hand as you walk down those stairs and give it a big smile. Have confidence. If you donā€™t believe in yourself youā€™ll crumble.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September 2014 for the first live shows of the series.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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