Len Goodman predicted his own death just months before his passing from bone cancer.
Goodman’s agent confirmed that the former Strictly Come Dancing judge died on Saturday after battling the disease. He was 78.
In an interview the star gave at the end of 2022 – just weeks after he retired as head judge on the American version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars – he predicted he would follow in his father’s footsteps and die aged 79.
Goodman would have turned 79 on Tuesday.
In the newly resurfaced interview with the Mail, he said: “My dad had the right idea. He loved gardening and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that’ll be next year.”
At the time of his retirement, Goodman said he was stepping back to spend more time with his wife Sue, and his grandchildren, Alice, seven, and Jack, four.
It is unknown whether he knew he was seriously ill at the time of his interview.
His bone cancer diagnosis was not his first experience of the disease. Goodman was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2009.
And in September 2021 it was reported that he had undergone surgery for a small facial melanoma.
Speaking about his health to the publication, he said: “I don’t make a fuss about stuff like that. It’s like when you have a car – you keep it serviced but even so, you’ll have some trouble with your carburettor and you’ll need to get it fixed, and eventually the whole thing will conk out, and there you go. It’s more about the journey, and mine has been lovely.”
He also suggested that the journalist who conducted the interview, Jenny Johnston, should write his obituary.
He said she should “just write: ‘He was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky.’ Because that’s just about the truth of it.”
Judges and hosts of Strictly Come Dancing have paid tribute to the “twinkle, warmth and wit” of Goodman following the news.
Very sad to hear about the death of dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman. My heart goes out to his family & dear Sue. He gave me such support on my time at Strictly. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny loveable man.
— Darcey Bussell (@DarceyOfficial) April 24, 2023
Thank you for the special memories x pic.twitter.com/0Y4TVVx9Si
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 and would have celebrated his 79th birthday on Tuesday.
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.
Outside dance, Goodman was a music enthusiast and regularly stood in for the late Paul O’Grady when the entertainer was away from his BBC Radio 2 show.
Tributes also came from former Strictly contestants, including Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid, who competed in 2013.
She said: “Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent.
“He was a beautiful man with a huge sense of humour who had such a mischievous turn of phrase.
“I’ll never forget ‘All bounce, bum and bongos’. My love to his family.”
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker, who competed in 2021 and was friends with Goodman, also paid tribute.
He tweeted: “So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. He was an incredible man & an extraordinary talent.
“Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him and will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family.”
