Susanna Reid and Ed Balls paid tribute to Len Goodman on Tuesday’s Good Morning on what would have been his 79th birthday.
The beloved TV judge died on Saturday aged 78 from bone cancer while being cared for in a hospice Tunbridge Wells in Kent, his agent confirmed to The Standard.
In light of his death, the ITV stars took a moment at the beginning of the show to remember their “favourite” Strictly judge.
Reid, who took to the BBC dancefloor in 2011, said it was “devastating news” and that she “hadn’t realised he was that poorly.”
She continued: “He was very old school but we loved him for it. He was a phenomenal head judge, wasn’t he? He was so reassuring and was so focused on the technical detail.
“Len was the judge you really wanted to impress and he had this mischievous turn of phrase.”
Meanwhile, former Labour MP Ed Balls, who appeared on the show in 2016, recalled how Goodman was “always positive” before delivering any critical feedback, given Balls wasn’t a natural dancer.
He remembered: “He always gave me better marks than anyone else,” and shared that he was thrilled when Goodman once dubbed him “the people’s champion”.
The presenter went on to describe the late star as the “most generous and thoughtful” judge.
Both former Strictly contestants went on to describe the late dancing icon as “charming” and “a good man” before Reid concluded: “We love you Len. It’s a devastating loss.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the TV star after news of his death was confirmed on Monday, most notably from his fellow Strictly judges and stars.
Goodman became a judge on the BBC show in 2004 – becoming known for his catchphrase “Seven!” – and his final appearance was on the 2016 Christmas Day special.
Fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood and co-host Claudia Winkleman were among those sharing tributes.
Tonioli said his heart was “broken” at the news that his “dear friend and partner” had died.
He added: “I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together. There will never be anyone like you. We will miss you.”
Revel Horwood described Goodman as a “gorgeous colleague and dear friend”.
“My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family,” he added. “Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and ‘It’s a ten from Len and seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
Presenter Winkleman tweeted: “I’m so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends.”
Goodman announced his retirement from TV six months ago.
He began dancing at 19, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s, after which he retired from professional competition.
He was replaced as head judge on Strictly by Shirley Ballas for the 2017 series.
Goodman also served as head judge on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of the show, until announcing his retirement in November last year.
Goodman was also a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.
As well as his successful dancing and television career, he was also the owner of the Goodman Academy, a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
