Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has died at the age of 78. An announcement was made on ITV's Lorrain this morning, April 24 and the news has been confirmed by his spokeswoman.
His spokeswoman Jackie Gill confirmed the news, saying 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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The former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing from its launch in 2004 until 2016, Len was hugely popular with fans for his knowledge and wry humour, as well as his unique way of shouting the score of "SEVEN!"
As well as Strictly, he also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until 2022. He stepped down from the American show in the autumn, saying that he wanted to “spend more time with my grandchildren and family” back in the UK.
He said: "Whilst we’re 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 The Stars. “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. But I have decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
He added: “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 going to be absolutely brilliant.”
London-born Len only started dancing at the age of 20, and enjoyed a successful competitive dancing career, which included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, The British Exhibition Championships (four times) and the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s.
After retiring he founded the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent. He has been an examiner for the National Association of Teachers of Dance, a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, and an adjudicator for the World Dance Council.
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