His manager has verified the sad news that Len Goodman, the former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, has passed away at the age of 78.
Len Goodman Dies Aged 78
On Saturday, he passed away in the company of his loved ones at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Bone cancer was a problem for him.
From the show’s inception in 2004 until its conclusion in 2016, Goodman was a regular judge on Strictly, winning over audiences with his dry wit and wise comments.
From 2005 until 2022, he competed on Dancing With the Stars in the United States, in addition to Strictly.
Jackie Gill, who was his manager, stated on Monday stating, “We are deeply saddened to share the news that Len Goodman has died at the age of 78.”
A beloved husband, father, and grandfather who leaves behind countless loved ones.
Goodman made the number seven into something of a catchphrase because of his upbeat delivery of it whenever he gave a contender a score of seven.
Longtime Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood paid tribute to Goodman on Monday, calling her a “gorgeous colleague and dear friend” and referencing her showmanship.
To this day, the words “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern” will always be seared in his head. What I typically nicknamed him was Len Goody Goodman, he elaborated.
A black and white photo of Goodman was posted to Instagram by fellow judge Motsi Mabuse, who simply wrote “R.I.P.” next to it.
Former judge Bruno Tonioli posted a photo of the two of them along with the words, “There isn’t going to be anyone like you.” The only 10 I’ll ever give is to you.
A second former judge, Dame Darcey Bussell, said of Goodman, “I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with such a professional, amusing, and loveable man. He gave me such support on my time at Strictly and I feel such gratitude to him for that.”
The news of Goodman’s death was “such an awful shock and so sad,” as one previous participant, Susanna Reid, put it.
“Len Goodman was the epitome of a true gentleman and a true living legend. He was handsome, had a wicked sense of humor, and said the darndest things.
She claimed that the time he praised her Samba as “all bounce, bum, and bongos” was one she would never forget.
Goodman was described as “one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man” by the show’s host, Claudia Winkleman.
Their co-host Tess Daly gushed about him, calling him “a lovely man, honest, pleasant, and modest, who left his mark on everybody he met.”
She wrote, “His love and passion for dancing and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen,” and she’ll never forget the good times they had on set.
In my book, Len, you were always a perfect ten.
Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Janette Manrara, Katya Jones, and Johannes Radebe were among the other Strictly dancers who paid tribute.
At the age of 19, Goodman began dancing, and by his late 20s, he had won the British Championships. He then retired to focus on his career as a judge, instructor, and choreographer.
His last appearance on Strictly Come Dancing was the Christmas Day 2016 special, during which he also stepped down as chief judge.
When he announced his departure from Dancing With the Stars in November of last year, he cited a desire to “spend more time with my grandchildren and family in the UK.”
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Goodman was a frequent fill-in host on BBC Radio 2 for the late Paul O’Grady, who specialized in music.
Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, praised him as “an amazing genuine performer who was beloved by millions.”
“He was loved by people of all ages and treated like family by all” The success of Strictly owes a great deal to Len. His fans and friends are going to miss him terribly.
Strictly Come Dancing alum and Twitter user Russell Grant wrote, “The magnificent Len Goodman has departed us. When I was on [the show], he was really sweet and nice to me, and we’ve since met on various shows, including his own, shot at BBC Glasgow.
Len and his ‘SEVEN’ [points] became a term in both the UK and the US, which is saying something considering how often the word ‘legend’ is thrown around. One of a kind.
Frank Bruno, a boxing legend, wrote, “Incredibly shocked by the news of Len Goodman’s death; he was the seemingly invincible man who promised to teach me to dance if I ever made it on Strictly.”
Goodman owned the Goodman Academy, a dance studio in Dartford, Kent, and was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award for Distinguished Service to the Art of Dance.
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FAQ
What is Len Goodman known for?
Len Goodman is best recognized for his position as a judge on the well-liked British television program “Strictly Come Dancing” and its American equivalent “Dancing with the Stars.”