The family of Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor have thanked fans for their "love and celebration" after his death. 

It was announced on Tuesday that the Ipswich-born dancer had died, aged 44. 

Best-known for his time on the BBC One show, his death saw tributes flood in as the dancing community was left in shock. 

A statement from his family said: “We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin.

“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.”

The Latin and ballroom dancer began dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich.

After his death was announced, several performers who worked alongside Windsor paid heartfelt tributes.

Sarah Wagstaff-Till, who knew Windsor for many years and worked with him at the National Association of Teachers of Dancing, where he was a patron, said: “He was vivacious. He really did light up the room. But at the same time, he was so incredibly humble. 

"He was so down-to-earth and he really cared about everyone. He was such a genuine guy. He came with no ego."

The Strictly Come Dancing team also paid tribute to Windsor, 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.”