The silence in the house is what Davide remembers most. Not a peaceful quiet, but an echoing emptiness that settled after Robin Windsor, his former partner, was gone. Even now, two years later, their dog still perks up, ears twitching, and lets out a hopeful bark whenever he hears a familiar sound – a heartbreaking echo of a love that once filled their lives.
Their story began with a whirlwind romance, culminating in a proposal in the vibrant heart of New York City. But the joy was quickly shadowed by an unexpected pressure. As a same-sex couple in 2012, just as gay marriage was becoming legal, the intense scrutiny of the press felt overwhelming. Davide, preferring a life away from the spotlight, quietly stepped back, needing space to navigate his own feelings.
Despite the split, their connection endured. They shared a home, on and off, for six or seven years, even finding solace in each other’s company during lockdown. Davide recalls Robin’s boundless generosity, a man who instinctively reached out to those in need, sending flowers to cheer a friend battling illness, a small gesture that spoke volumes about his character.
But beneath the warmth and charisma, Robin carried a hidden struggle. Davide, who had faced his own battles with mental health, watched with growing concern as his former partner began to unravel after an injury forced him to leave *Strictly Come Dancing* in 2014. It was a turning point, a moment when the vibrant performer began to fade.
Before his death, Robin penned a raw and honest note, revealing the devastating impact of losing his place on the show. He wrote of feeling destroyed by the way he was treated, a feeling that set him on a path he couldn’t escape. All he ever wanted, he confessed, was to be happy, to return to the joy he found in his work.
The inquest into his death painted a picture of a man vulnerable to rejection, haunted by childhood trauma, and burdened by mounting debts. Loneliness, a lack of consistent mental health support, and recurring heartache were all identified as contributing factors to his tragic decision.
Davide is adamant about one thing: Robin wasn’t an isolated case. He was a gay man in his forties, part of a community where struggles with mental health are often hidden. He wants to shine a light on the pressures faced by many, hoping to encourage open conversations and a greater understanding of the challenges within the LGBTQ+ community.
The pain of loss remains, a constant ache in Davide’s heart. But amidst the grief, he holds onto the memory of Robin’s kindness, his talent, and the enduring love that, even in silence, continues to echo in the hopeful bark of a loyal dog.
