Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Robin Windsor pulls out due to back trouble

The professional dancer is 'devastated' by his decision to leave the series

Robin Windsor is 'devastated' to leave Strictly Come Dancing (Getty Images)

Robin Windsor has been forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this year after suffering ongoing back problems.

Long-time fans of the hit ITV celebrity ballroom contest will be disappointed by the news, as the professional dancer has starred in the series since 2010.

Windsor, 34, was all set to take centre stage on the dancefloor once again this autumn and is said to be “devastated”.

“It’s been a really difficult decision, but I plan to focus 100 per cent on my recovery and hope to be back in the ballroom as soon as possible, doing what I love best,” he told Metro.

“In the mean time I wish the cast and crew best of luck with the new series which I’ll be watching every week.”

Windsor experienced back trouble during the 2013 series but had been eliminated from the competition by the time it started affecting his dancing.

He has yet to be crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion but reached the semis with Lisa Riley in 2012. He has also competed with Deborah Meaden, Anita Dobson and Patsy Kensit.

In June, Windsor made a push for same-sex couples to feature on the show and was supported by his boyfriend, former X Factor contestant Marcus Collins, and judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Australian dancer Trent Whiddon, known for Dancing with the Stars, will replaced Windsor for the new run of shows.

"We are of course sad to lose Robin from this year's show," said Louise Rainbow, executive producer. "He is a valued member of the Strictly family and we wish him the very best with his recovery.

"But every cloud has a silver lining and I am delighted to welcome Trent to our team."

Professional dancers James Jordan and Artem Chigvintsev, as well as co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth, have also left.

Contestants rumoured to be joining the next series include rugby player Thom Evans, The Only Way Is Essex’s Mark Wright, Andy Murray’s mum Judy, actor Ross Kemp and TV football pundit Alan Hansen.