#Socialites, we have some sad news to share this Monday. Len Goodman, the long-serving head judge of “Dancing with the Stars” has sadly died at the age of 78.
His manager released a statement this morning saying to GMA, “Len died on Saturday evening surrounded by his family in a hospice in Kent. He has bone cancer. He kept his sense of humor throughout his illness and was a ‘true gentleman.’” A rep added, to NBC News that he was “a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”
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The former professional dancer was a judge on DWTS from 2005 until 2022. He was known for providing laughter on the show while still being a strict judge who gave his honest opinions. In 2022 he announced that he was officially leaving the show and retiring. He said in a statement at the time,
“This will be my last season judging on Dancing with the Stars. I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show. But I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain,” Goodman said back in November. “I could not thank you enough the Dancing with the Stars family. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me.”
Although Goodman loved being a part of the show, he explained to PEOPLE why he felt it was finally time to say goodbye. “Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging. I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so,” he said at the time. In addition to DWTS, he was also a judge on the British version of the show — “Strictly Come Dancing” from 2004 until 2016.
The BBC also released a statement just minutes after Goodman’s death was first announced. Director General Tim Davie remembered him as a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions.”
“He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family,” said Davie. “Len was at the very heart of ‘Strictly’s’ success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”
Following the heartbreaking news, fans and close celebrity friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Goodman. Fellow DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli tweeted, “Hart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10 ❤️” Piers Morgan also shared a photo of the pair dancing together in a Twitter tribute along with the caption that read:
“More very sad news from the world of entertainment…RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan,” wrote the TV host. “Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.”
Tommy Blaize of BBC’s Strictly added, “A very sad day for me and all Strictly fans. The world has lost a true gentleman. Len Goodman, you are a legend. I will sincerely miss you. Always kind to everyone especially the band and singers. RIP. Len Love to Sue and family❤️❤️❤️”
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Strictly judge Craig Horwood also 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.”
Hart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/M5qnHedx5S
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) April 24, 2023
A very sad day for me and all Strictly fans.
The world has lost a true gentleman.
Len Goodman you are a legend. I will sincerely miss you. Always kind to everyone especially the band and singers.
RIP. Len
Love to Sue and family❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/l2Ns1zQq1d— Tommy Blaize (@TommyBlaize) April 24, 2023
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
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) April 24, 2023
Len Goodman will be greatly missed.