Len Goodman’s Dancing With The Stars co-stars have been left shocked by his passing as he kept his bone cancer diagnosis under wraps during filming, it has been reported.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge died on Saturday aged 78, but those who worked with him across the pond have said that he was “laughing and joking” during his final season on the US ballroom series in November.
A source told The US Sun: “Len was such a pro that the moment the cameras and light came on, he became the consummate showman.”
The insider claims that Goodman told show bosses: “Don’t bother asking me to do a dance for my farewell, because that ain’t happening, I just like to shuffle around these days!”
Meanwhile, a second source said: “The news about Len caught many of the production team by surprise today. There was an enormous feeling of sadness and grief because Len had brought so much fun and joy to the show, as well as being a perfect professional.
“Last Fall, Len was certainly less of a presence around and while he looked thin, that frailty was just thought of as him getting older. Obviously, now the suggestion is that he was dealing with something very aggressive and keeping it to himself.”
The Standard has contacted a Dancing With the Stars rep for comment.
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 Daily Mail in December, 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.”
Judges and hosts of Strictly Come Dancing have paid tribute to the “twinkle, warmth and wit” of Goodman following the news.
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.
