Len Goodman was photographed hugging long-time friend Bruno Tonioli just months before he died, in a touching last photograph together.
The former professional dancer passed away aged 78 in a hospice on Saturday, from bone cancer.
Goodman and Tonioli’s friendship dated back almost two decades and they had appeared together on the panel of both the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and its US counter part, Dancing With The Stars.
The last time he and Italian native Tonioli were pictured together was at Goodman’s retirement party from Dancing With The Stars in November.
Sharing the image on Instagram, Tonioli wrote at the time: “Celebrating the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman, you are the best my friend best partner (sic) I could have wished for. What an incredible adventure we shared. Happy retirement.”
He signed off with “Love always Bruno.”
Following Goodman’s death, the Britain’s Got Talent judge re-shared the image, along with a new caption paying tribute to his friend.
It read: “Heartbroken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman passed away. I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together – Strictly, Dancing With The Stars – there will never be anyone like you, we will miss you,” along with five red love heart emojis and his name.
