Tributes have been pouring in following the death of former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman. The 78-year-old died in a hospice over the weekend after a battle with bone cancer.
He was head judge from the BBC's launch in 2004 until 2016 and was hugely popular with fans for his knowledge and wry humour. As well as Strictly he also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars, from 2005 until 2022.
A statement from his agent 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."
Goodman began dancing at 19, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s, after which he retired. He was replaced as head judge on the BBC show by Shirley Ballas.
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Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood described Len Goodman as a “gorgeous colleague and dear friend” in response to the former Strictly judge’s death.
He tweeted: “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 & seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len”.
BBC director-general Tim Davie was one of the first to pay tribute in a statement released by the BBC: "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."
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and was friends with Len Goodman, also paid tribute.
He tweeted: "So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. He was an incredible man & an extraordinary talent. Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him & will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family."
TV presenter Susanna Reid described Len Goodman as "a beautiful man" after the former Strictly judge's death.
She tweeted: "Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & 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 & bongos'. My love to his family".
Presenter Piers Morgan said: "More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."
Welsh singer Aled Jones said on Twitter: "Sad to hear of the death of Len Goodman - loved him to bits! Such a kind, fun and lovely man."
And Russell Grant, who appeared on the show in 2011, remembered his famous catchphrase.
He said: "The wonderful Len Goodman has left us. He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on and we met on other programmes including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow. The word legend is overused but Len and his 'SEVEN' became a catchphrase across UK & USA. A true character."
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