Tributes have poured in for former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman following his death from bone cancer at the age of 78.
Many of the BBC show’s stars has taken to social media to praise the late ballroom expert in the wake of the sad news, most notably his Strictly co-judge Craig Revel-Horwood.
Taking to Twitter, he penned: “I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
“My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and ‘It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
Meanwhile, Dan Walker, who competed on the dance series in 2021 described Goodman as an “incredible man and an extraordinary talent”.
Sharing a series of photos on Instagram, the broadcaster said that he was “so sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. He was an incredible man and 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. He cared about people and made everyone feel special. All my love to his family.”
Piers Morgan also paid tribute to the “quintessential Londoner and top bloke” on social media by sharing a photo of Goodman showing him some dance moves.
The TalkTV host penned on Twitter: “More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket and West Ham fan.
“Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.”
I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) April 24, 2023
So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) April 24, 2023
He was an incredible man & an extraordinary talent.
Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him & will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly.
All my love to his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UBrNNZbVtX
Strictly alum Russell Grant, who took part in 2011’s instalment, tweeted: “The wonderful Len Goodman has left us. He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on Strictly and we met on other programmes including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow.
“The word legend is overused but Len and his ‘SEVEN’ became a catchphrase across UK and the USA. A true character.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said in a statement: “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.”
News of Goodman’s passing was confirmed on Monday.
His agent, Jackie Gill told the Standard: “Len died on Saturday night in a hospice in Kent. He had bone cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
“He always kept his sense of humour and great dignity. “
More very sad news from the world of entertainment…
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 24, 2023
RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke. pic.twitter.com/RXBhLQfSPh
The wonderful Len Goodman has left us. He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on @bbcstrictly and we met on other programmes including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow. The word legend is overused but Len and his 'SEVEN' became a catchphrase across UK & USA. A true character 7⃣ pic.twitter.com/3067E6PvxO
— Russell Grant (@THERussellGrant) April 24, 2023
Ms Gill said Goodman was “a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him”.
Goodman was head judge on Strictly from 2004 until 2016. He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) from 2005 until 2022.
Boxer Frank Bruno wrote: “RIP Len Goodman this is a shock he was the man we all thought was indestructible met him several times he said he would personally give me some dance lessons if I ever got Strictly really sad.”
While Rob Rinder, who appeared on the show in 2016, wrote: “A rare gentleman: Kind, charming, exacting, encouraging and danced like a dream... Thank you for bringing so much joy. RIP Len Goodman... It’s a 10 from us all.”
“Len Goodman had the gift of combining kindness with honesty. When I was in the final of Strictly he said, ‘We've got two thoroughbreds and a Shetland pony.’ RIP Len,” tweeted comedian and 2004 Strictly contestant Julian Clary.
In November, Goodman announced he was stepping down from his role as head judge on Dancing With The Stars after more than 15 years with the US show.
The English professional dancer said he wanted to “spend more time with my grandchildren and family” back in the UK.
A rare gentleman: Kind, charming, exacting, encouraging & danced like a dream. .. Thank you for bringing so much joy.
— Robert Rinder (@RobbieRinder) April 24, 2023
RIP Len Goodman.. It’s a 10 from us all. pic.twitter.com/GrtJUMfPhY
Len Goodman had the gift of combining kindness with honesty. When I was in the final of #Strictly he said 'We've got two thoroughbreds and a Shetland pony.'
— Julian Clary (@JulianClary) April 24, 2023
RIPLen
He announced the news during the semi-final episode of Dancing With The Stars: “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.”
Goodman stepped down as head judge from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
He appeared on the Strictly panel with Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, and Arlene Phillips, who was was later replaced by Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell.
Goodman’s final appearance on Strictly was on the 2016 Christmas Day Special. He was replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.
The star started dancing at the age of 19 and turned professional, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties, after which he retired.
Goodman is a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.
As well as his successful dancing and television career, he is also the owner of the Goodman Academy – a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
