Anton Du Beke broke down on tears on Monday night's edition of The One Show, becoming overcome with emotion as he spoke about the death of 'legendary' former Strictly Come Dancing colleague Len Goodman.
Tributes started flooding in for Len after news of his passing broke on Monday morning. he 78-year-old TV and entertainment ico had been battling bone cancer and, confirming his passing, a spokesperson for the entertainer, told MailOnline: "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family."
Stars from Strictly were among the first to pay tribute to Len, one of the original stars of the Strictly panel, remembering the fond times they had with him and, hours after Len's death was announced, current judge Anton appeared on BBC's The One Show to pay his own tribute.
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Anton was visibly moved from the get-go as he spoke to hosts Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas and said: "'I have known him for 40 years as a man, as a boy. I remember him judging me as a young boy," he revealed.
"I would value his comments above everyone else because he knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was lucky to have known him for 40 years. He was a great friend."
Anton added: ''We would spend hours chatting and laughing he was a joy to be with. That was the thing about Len, he was a joy to be with and he gave off so much joy.
''I was lucky enough to know him and I miss him.''
Viewers at home were also incredibly emotional by what Anton had to say about LKen, with one tweeting: "I'm sorry or your loss. Anton, you have learnt from a much loved master hopefully you will carry on and continue to be just as honest and lovable. Two peas in a pod."
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