Tributes have been paid to much-loved professional ballroom dancer, dance judge, and television personality Len Goodman.
Len, aged 78, passed away on Saturday (April 22), following a short illness. Len had been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, the Daily Mail reports.
The face of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing from its launch in 2004, Len left the show in 2016 and was also known for being on the judging panel in the US version of the hit show, Dancing with the Stars. Hugely popular with viewers for his sense of humour, he was also loved for his sought after score of a "ten from Len" and how she shouted "seven" when revealing points to contestants.
Agent Jackie Gill 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."
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As well as his talent and love for dancing, Len was also a huge fan of the Fab Four. Whilst in Liverpool as part of the live show tour of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, Len visited award-winning attraction The Beatles Story at the Albert Dock for the second time.
When asked about his favourite Beatles song, he said: "In My Life, because it’s a lovely song that always manages to cheer me up, remembering all my mates and places I’ve lived." The song, mainly written by John Lennon, is from The Beatles’ Rubber Soul album.
The hit song looks back at Lennon’s childhood in Liverpool and according to The Beatles Story, it was the first time that Lennon penned personal lyrics about his own life. One image, courtesy of The Beatles Story, shows Len on site smiling with a Beatles drum kit.
Paying tribute, a spokesperson said: "We're saddened to hear of the passing of ballroom dancer, dance judge, and television personality Len Goodman. Today we reflect on meeting Len during his visits to The Beatles Story, and will take a moment to listen to his favourite Beatles song ‘In My Life.’
"It's a lovely song that always manages to cheer me up, remembering all my mates and places I’ve lived." - Len Goodman. Rest in peace, Len."
You can pay tribute to Len Goodman in our comments section below.
Since he left Strictly, Len continued to entertain the nation, appearing on shows such as Len and Ainsley’s big Food Adventure and Who Do You Think You Are. Len leaves behind his wife Sue, who he married in 2012 in a surprise ceremony and his son James, from a previous relationship.
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