Len Goodman shared the surprising message he wanted written on his tombstone two years before his death and it was anything but traditional.
The professional dancer-turned-TV judge died aged 78 in a hospice in Kent on Saturday following a secret battle with bone cancer.
In addition to predicting his own death, the professional dancer gave an interview in 2021 in which he discussed what he would like etched on his tombstone.
While many opt for engravings like “beloved father and grandfather,” he had other plans.
Despite finding huge success on the dancefloor and on TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars thanks to his unrivalled knowledge of Latin and Ballroom, he said his early years were unremarkable, claiming he was “no good at school or learning”.
“I couldn’t be bothered,” he explained.
“Most of my life that was my attitude. It should be on my tombstone. Here lies Len - he couldn’t be bothered.”
He also told how he had lost his competitive edge in later years.
“My trouble is - I’m not very competitive. Back in the 60s and 70s when I danced, I was so competitive,” he told The Sun’s TV mag.
The beloved star added: “So when that was over, it sort of knocked all the competitive side out of my body.”
Goodman’s death was confirmed on Monday in a statement by his agent, Jackie Gill, which read: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.
“A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”
