Viewers were left in tears after Strictly Come Dancing said an emotional goodbye to head judge Len Goodman, who confirmed he was leaving the dancing show earlier this year.
During the finale of the popular BBC competition, several former contestants took part in a touching video to pay tribute to the professional ballroom dancer's time on the show. Along with the presenters, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly and Len's fellow judges, Bruno Tonioli, Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood, everyone involved spoke fondly about their colleague, leaving not a dry eye in the house!
Professional dancer Anton du Beke said: "He brings joy to people and that's why people love Len," while Craig said: "It has been amazing, he's not only a fantastic colleague but an amazing friend and I'm really going to miss him." Claudia then said: "Len thank you so much, we are going to miss you terribly" before Len gave a short speech, revealing he would miss "everything about the show". "I will miss the three best judges on television," he admitted. "And you two [Tess and Claudia]. The whole thing is like a big machine with cogs and every cog has to work, that's what makes Strictly into Strictly. I'm going to miss it all."
© Photo: BBCLen has been a judge on the show since 2004
The professional dancers then took part in a classic ballroom routine especially for the judge, and viewers took to Twitter to open up about the emotional finale. One wrote: "Can we take a minute to weep over Len leaving? I'm not ok with that. Who will pickle the walnuts??? WHO?!!" Another added: "Awww Len!! I'm not emotionally equipped to watch this segment." However, this is not the last we will see of Len! The star will make his final appearance on the show during this years' Strictly Christmas special, which will air on Christmas Day.
