Good Morning Britain paid tribute to Len Goodman on what would have been the Strictly Come Dancing legend's 79th birthday today.
Susanna Reid, who took to the BBC dancefloor in 2011, grew emotional as she confessed she "didn't realise just how poorly" the late star was prior to his death over the weekend, with fellow former Strictly contestant Ed Balls sharing his favourite memories of the dancer.
Len had been residing in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent before passing away at the age of 78 from bone cancer on Saturday, with his agent confirming the sad news on Monday.
Ed and Susanna opened this morning's installment of Good Morning Britain remembering Len on the TV legend's first posthumous birthday since his sad death over the weekend.
Former MP Ed recalled what it was like working with Len on the BBC show and revealed the best compliment he ever got from the loveable late judge.
"He was very old school but we loved him for it. He was a phenomenal head judge, wasn’t he? He was so reassuring and was so focused on the technical detail," Susanna began when remembering Len on the ITV show this morning.
She continued: "Len was the judge you really wanted to impress and he had this mischevious turn of phrase."
Ed added how the Strictly legend was always supportive of him on the dancefloor, despite the former Labour Party politician not being a natural dancer.
He recalled how Len was "always positive" before delivering any critical feedback after one of Ed's performances with professional Katya Jones in 2016 - adding how he was delighted when Len once dubbed him "the people's champion".
"He always gave me better marks than anyone else," Ed remembered this morning.
Both former Strictly contestants went on to describe the late dancing icon as "charming" and "a good man" before Susanna concluded: "We love you Len. It’s a devastating loss."
News of Len's death has sparked a wave of tributes to the late star, with Buckingham Palace and the UK Prime Minister releasing statements shortly after the sad news was announced.
A statement from Len's agent on Monday said: "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."
Buckingham Palace said the Queen Consort was saddened to learn of Len Goodman’s death. "Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news," a spokesperson said on Monday.
Lorraine Kelly was presenting her daytime TV show on ITV as the heartbreaking news was announced, with the Scottish presenter breaking the "very, very sad news" to her ITV viewers live on-air.
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX
