Len Goodman, former Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing judge, has died of bone cancer.
Goodman died on Saturday evening surrounded by his family. His agent, Jackie Gill, said:
He always kept his sense of humour and was a ‘true gent’.
A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
Goodman served as head judge on Dancing With The Stars for more than 15 years until announcing his retirement in November of last year.
Goodman was also head judge on the BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing from its first series in 2004 until 2016, making his final appearance on that year’s Christmas Day special.
Goodman began dancing at 19, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s, after which he retired.
Goodman was also a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance. He is also the owner of the Goodman Academy, a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Fellow DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli wrote on Twitter,
H[e]art broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10.”
Len Goodman was 78.
Hart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/M5qnHedx5S
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) April 24, 2023
