Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman live on air as news of his death became public.
The ITV host paused her regular morning show to pay tribute to Goodman – who died over the weekend aged 78.
On Lorraine, a photograph of the Strictly star was shown with Kelly describing him as: “A smashing fellow, a really really good guy.”
On Monday morning, Goodman’s 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.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman has passed away aged 78, surrounded by his family.
— Lorraine (@lorraine) April 24, 2023
Our thoughts are with his family and friends this morning. 💫 pic.twitter.com/6F3UWV2v5j
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.
Tributes were paid to Goodman at news of his passing.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “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.”
A number of former Strictly stars also paid tribute.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “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 and seveeeeern” will live with me forever. RIP Len.”
Susanna Reid, who appeared in the 2013 series with dancer Kevin Clifton, wrote: “Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend and 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.”
In November, Goodman announced he was stepping down from his role as head judge on DWTS after more than 15 years with the US show.
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.
