Stars of Strictly Come Dancing past and present have been paying tribute to former head judge Len Goodman following his death aged 78.
Len, who was head judge on the BBC Ballroom competition until 2016 when he was replaced by Shirley Ballas, was also a judge on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars. He began appearing on the ABC show in 2005 before he announced his departure in November 2022.
A statement from his agent announcing his death read: "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 released a statement on Monday to share that the Queen Consort Camilla, who is a self-confessed fan of Strictly Come Dancing, had learned of Len's passing. "Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news," a spokesperson said.
© Chris JacksonMeanwhile, stars from Strictly have been sharing their sadness and heartbreak at the news. Craig Revel Horwood 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."
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© Chris JacksonShirley Ballas, who replaced Len on the show in series 15, tweeted a statement that read in part: "What extremely sad news this morning. As I came off Good Morning Britain I heard of the passing of my dearest friend Len Goodman. My past teacher, a dance legend and a true gentlemen. He was a shining star in the ballroom that everyone loved.
"Thank you for all the years in the ballroom, for your dedication to the art of ballroom dancing, for all your advice over the years. My heart goes out to Len’s wife Sue, his beautiful family and all who knew him. Love you Len. RIP Xx."
Darcey Bussell wrote on Instagram: "Very sad to hear about the death of the dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman. My heart goes out to his family and dear Sue. He gave me such support on my time at Strictly and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny & loveable man."
© Anthony Harvey/GETTYProfessional dancer-turned-judge Anton Du Beke also posted a photo of him and Len together and shared a heartfelt tribute. "Forgive my stream of consciousness but I've just heard the devasting news that my dear friend of nearly 45 years, Len Goodman, has sadly passed away. It's incredibly difficult to find the words to encapsulate Len, because he was everything but he was also simply, Len," he began.
"I first knew him when I was a young lad and was dancing, he was my dance judge. Len was different to anyone else in the dancing business – he was a wonderful character, he had a roguishness about him - he had twinkle. He had a way about him that you really wanted him to like you. If Len liked you, it was more important than anyone else liking you."
Anton finished his statement by saying: "A national treasure certainly, but more importantly to me he was my friend. I was very lucky to know him. I'm going to miss you, Len."
Strictly's host Tess Daly posted an image of Len to her Instagram and wrote an emotional caption. "So very sad to hear the news today of the passing of our Len Goodman," she began, adding: "A beautiful man, genuine, warm and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met. I’ll never forget the fun we had on set, his love and passion for dancing and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen. You were never a 7 for me, Len you were always a 10. My sincere condolences to Sue and all the family. Rest in peace Len."
Tess' co-host Claudia Winkleman tweeted: "I'm so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends."
Len's other former colleague Bruno Tonioli, who, like Len, appeared on both Strictly and Dancing With the Stars, shared a sweet photo of the pair hugging. He wrote: "Hart broken [sic] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars they will never be anyone like you we will miss you."
A number of the professional dancers from the show have also paid tribute to Len. Katya Jones shared a photo to her Instagram story writing: "Unbelievably sad news! RIP Len Goodman. You will be treasured in our hearts forever." The dancer then posted a video of Len observing the professional dancers' waltz with the caption: "What a privilege it was to be in your presence."
Graziano Di Prima said: "So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. RIP LEGEND." Oti Mabuse shared her sadness at the news. "My heart breaks," she wrote on her Instagram Stories, adding: "This absolute shock – you will forever be missed. Thank you for your honesty, integrity and a pleasurable presence. #RIP."
© Eamonn M. McCormackOti's sister, Motsi, who is currently a judge on the BBC ballroom competition, shared a black and white image of Len smiling, simply writing: "RIP," above the image.
Former professional dancer on Strictly Brendan Cole phoned into ITV's This Morning to talk to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about Len's sad passing. "It's very shocking, I think it's sad for the entire nation," he began.
"In terms of personality, Len's was massive. Not only as a TV judge but as a person in general. A loving man with a bite which I loved, it's very sad. He couldn't walk down the street without hearing 'Seven!' So we will forever have Len in our hearts." Gorka Marquez shared his tribute on Instagram by sharing a video of a professional routine with the caption: "RIP legend."
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