Strictly Come Dancing judges have paid heartfelt tributes to former head judge Len Goodman after he passed away at the age of 78. The ballroom star's family confirmed he had died peacefully after a 'short illness', saying he had been in a hospice before he died on Saturday night (April 22).
Len was head judge of Strictly from its launch in 2004 until 2016 and was also had judge on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until he stepped back in 2022. His agent Jackie Gill has also said in a statement: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."
Tributes have already been flooding in for Len, who became an unexpected dance star after injury ended his footballing career, from his fellow judges. Craig Revel Horwood took to Instagram to share an early Strictly photo of himself seated on the judging panel with Len, Dame Arlene Phillips and Bruno Toniloli.
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"I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away," he typed. "My heart and love go out to his lovely wife Sue and family. Len ‘goody’ Goodman is what I called him and “it’s a ten from Len and seveeeeern” will live with me forever. Rest in peace Len."
Former judge Bruno, who was replaced on the panel by Anton Du Beke, wrote: "Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away.
"I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars they will never be anyone like you we will miss you Bruno."
Anton penned: "Forgive my stream of consciousness but I’ve just heard the devasting news that my dear friend of nearly 45 years, Len Goodman, has sadly passed away. It’s incredibly difficult to find the words to encapsulate Len, because he was everything but he was also simply, Len."
He wrote about his friend: "I first knew him when I was a young lad and was dancing, he was my dance judge. Len was different to anyone else in the dancing business – he was a wonderful character, he had a roguishness about him - he had twinkle.
"He had a way about him that you really wanted him to like you. If Len liked you, it was more important than anyone else liking you. He was one of the very few people that wherever he went, he was just being Len and everyone knows exactly what that means. He had a bit of a magic and that's what always made him so popular."
He continued: "Spending time with Len was wonderful. We played a lot of golf together - 40 years of playing golf. He was funny and entertaining but he was also considered and thoughtful and wonderfully interesting. He led a fascinating life. He was clever, articulate, wonderfully well-read and a great lover of poetry.
"And of course he had incredible appeal – as his massive success in America goes to show. They begged him to carry on and that kind of appeal is so rare. A national treasure certainly, but more importantly to me he was my friend. I was very lucky to know him. I’m going to miss you, Len."
Shirley Ballas, who replaced Len as head judge, wrote: "What extremely sad news this morning. As I came off Good Morning Britain, I heard of the passing of my dearest friend Len Goodman.
"My past teacher, a dance legend and a true gentlemen. He was a shining star in the ballroom that everyone loved. He was funny, kind and quick witted. He always found the best way to give couples feedback. My heart is full of memories with him.
"Thank you for all the years in the dance industry, for your dedication to the art of ballroom dancing, for all your advice over the years and for teaching @corkyballas and I and helping us to win so many championships. For believing in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ll hold your memory deep in my heart.
"My heart goes out to Len’s wife Sue, his beautiful family and all who knew him. Love you Len. Reace In Peace. Xxxx #strictly #dwts #friend #love #RIP."
Alesha Dixon, who served on the panel from 2009 to 2012 after lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy as a contestant in the 2007 series, said: "So sad to hear that the wonderful Len has passed away today. A true gentleman and one of a kind! He always made me feel so welcome and we laughed a lot!
"He made my time on Stricly Come Dancing as a contestant and a judge a truly wonderful experience. Rest in peace my friend. Sending my love and condolences to his family."
Dame Darcey Bussell, who was a Strictly judge from 2012 to 2019, wrote: "Very sad to hear about the death of the dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman. My heart goes out to his family and dear Sue.
"He gave me such support on my time at Strictly and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny & loveable man. Thank you for the special memories. You will be missed so very much. Dx"
Last November, Len announced on Dancing With The Stars that he would be hanging up his scoring paddle for the last time at the end of that series, telling viewers: "This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars."
He went on to say: "I've been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I've decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain."
Born in Bethnal Green in London's East End, Len worked selling fruit and vegetables on his grandfather's stall. He later became a welder in the London docks and was training to become a footballer.
Len's former headteacher predicted he would be a failure in life, and warned him: "If you think you are only in this world to have a laugh and enjoy yourself, you will be in for a big shock when you get a job."
After suffering a foot injury Len started dancing at the age of 19, after his doctor recommended it as therapy. He took up ballroom dancing and specialised in exhibition shows.
He won various competitions and retired from dancing after winning the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties. Len was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance, and was the owner of the Goodman Academy, a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Len was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, which was treated with surgery at a London hospital. In 2020 he had an operation to remove skin cancer from his forehead.
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