Tearjerking moment Len Goodman quit Dancing With The…

Tearjerking moment Len Goodman quit Dancing With The Stars just months before his death to come home to UK

Len Goodman left Bruno Tonioli in tears when he made the emotional decision to quit Dancing with the Stars. Last November, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge 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.

His announcement came just months before it was announced on Monday (April 24) that Goodman has died, aged 78. His family confirmed the former BBC One star had passed after a 'short illness', saying he had been in a hospice before he died on Saturday night (April 22).

A spokeswoman for Goodman, who the publication says had bone cancer, told MailOnline: "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family."

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."

Goodman, who began dancing at 19, was the former head judge of Strictly from its launch in 2004 until 2016 and was hugely popular with fans of the hit dance contest. He was replaced as head judge on the BBC show by Shirley Ballas.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: "Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family. Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family."

As well as Strictly, he also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until he stepped back in 2022. Goodman, who won various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s after which he retired, appeared on the US version of the dance show for more than 15 years until announcing his retirement in November last year.

Len also spent several years on Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

He said at the time that he wanted to "spend more time with my grandchildren and family" back in the UK. He halted an episode of the Disney+ competition, and there was barely a dry eye in the studio as his fellow judges embraced their long-serving colleague as he shared the news of his exit.

"Now, before we get into the second round, we wanna check in with our head judge," DWTS host Trya Banks said at the time. "Now Len, you have seen more than 3,000 routines here in this ballroom,” Tyra continued. “And I know that you’ve got something to say tonight."

The spotlight then turned on Goodman who began his emotional farewell: "Well, while we are all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it will also be with a touch of sadness as this will be my last season judging on Dancing with Stars." He continued: "I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show."

Bruno was left in tears at Len's announcement (Disney)

Applause and cheers soon rang out as Goodman smiled and went on: “I’ve decided to spend more time with my grandchildren and my family back in Britain." The audience then got to their feet to give Len a standing ovation as he shot a smile to the camera.

He concluded his statement: “I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing with the Stars family. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me and I’m looking forward so much to next week’s finale. I’m sure it’s gonna be absolutely brilliant," before the camera scaled back to show his fellow judges had also risen to their feet to applaud him.

Moments after, Bruno and judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough approached Len to give him a hug. And the emotions were too much for Bruno as he planted a kiss on Len’s neck before he could be seen wiping tears from his eyes as he returned to his seat.

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