Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman dies aged 78

Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars judge Len Goodman has died aged 78 from bone cancer. 

The ballroom dancer died peacefully on Saturday night in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent.

© Eric McCandless

A spokesperson for Len told the MailOnline: "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family."

Agent Jackie Gill said in a statement: "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.

© Photo: Getty Images

TRIBUTES: Strictly Come Dancing stars share heartfelt tributes to Len Goodman

"A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Len was a popular TV personality, best known for being head judge on Strictly, a role he held from 2004 until 2016, when he was replaced by Shirley Ballas.

He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until his recent departure in November last year. 

Tributes poured in for the dancer, including from Strictly star Craig Revel Horwood, who said: "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."

The Queen Consort was also saddened to learn of Len’s death. "Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news," a spokesperson said.

Len Goodman's early years 

Born in Bethnal Green, London on 25 April, 1944, Len started his working life as an apprentice welder at Harland and Wolff in Woolwich. He went on to pursue a career in football before an injury ended his career. 

© Photo: Rex

Len found his passion for dance at the late age of 19 after his doctor recommended it as therapy for a foot injury. He then went professional and enjoyed a successful competitive dancing career, quickly becoming a four-time British champion.

He retired after winning the British Championships at Blackpool in his late twenties.

© Eamonn M. McCormack

Len received various awards over his career, including a Life Achievement Award and two Carl Allen Awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance. He was also the owner of the Goodman Academy, a dance school in Dartford, Kent.

Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing 

Len appeared as head judge on Strictly from its inception in 2004. He appeared on the panel alongside Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood initially, before Arlene was replaced by Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell.

Len left his mark on the show before his exit in 2016, with his iconic announcement for a score of seven becoming a trademark for the BBC dancing programme. 

On his decision to leave, he said in a statement at the time: "This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I've reached my 70s, I've decided after this year it's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.

"I'm looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next."

Len Goodman on Dancing with the Stars 

Just like his role on Strictly, Len had been head judge on Dancing With the Stars since the very first episode in 2005, appearing alongside fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli initially, and then with alternating fourth judges Julianne Hough and Derek Hough for five seasons. 

He announced his exit during season 31 in 2022. Speaking about his decision to leave the show at the time, he said it had been a "huge pleasure", adding: "But I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain."