DANCING LEGEND DEAD
Len Goodman dead: Strictly Come Dancing judge dies aged 78 surrounded by his family after bone cancer battle
STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has died aged 78 after a battle with bone cancer.
The ex-dancer had been in a hospice in Kent before he tragically passed away on Saturday.
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His agent Jackie Gill said in a statement: "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."
Len's tragic death comes as...
- The judge was seen hugging Bruno Tonioli in a touching last picture
- Len had battled cancer twice before but kept his illness a secret
- Strictly stars have been paying tribute to the ex-head judge
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Len was a judge on Strictly from its inception in 2004 and was a firm fan favourite thanks to his wry comments.
He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until 2022.
Len was born in April 1944 in Bromley, Kent, and moved to South East London when he was six.
He worked as an apprentice welder in Woolwich and dreamed of being a footballer.
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But a foot injury dashed his hopes as a teenager so Len started dancing on the advice of his doctor.
Aged 19, he turned professional and took part in a string of competitions across the UK.
His awards included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, and The British Exhibition Championships four times.
Len also won the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s before he retired.
The star, who was also a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance, later opened dance school the Goodman Academy.
In 2004, he became head judge on Strictly alongside Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.
His cheeky one-liners and banter with the contestants cemented him as a favourite judge on the panel.
In 2016, Len stepped down after an impressive 12 years on the show so that he could enjoy his twilight years.
In an emotional goodbye speech, he said: "I will miss everything about the show I promise you.
"I will miss turning up and the anticipation and what's going to occur. I’ll miss the three best judges on any types of these shows.
"This whole thing is like a big machine with cogs every cog has to work to make it happen.
"I’m going to miss it all."
He was later replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.
As well as Strictly, Len appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the US from 2005 until 2022.
Len was previously married to his dance partner Cherry Kingston but they later divorced.
He went on to have a son, James, who has since forged his own successful dance career, with a mystery partner named Lesley.
On December 30, 2012, Len married his long-term partner Sue Barrett in a secret ceremony in London.
Len has previously opened up about his health battles after a prostate cancer scare in March 2009.
He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumour, which came while he was filming Strictly and Dancing with the Stars.
Len said: "I was obviously worried at the start. We all worry if we get something like this.
"You do feel a bit vulnerable, but as long as you come out the other side all right, why worry?"
In 2020, Len also revealed he had skin cancer removed from his forehead.
Charity Melanoma Fund shared a picture of the star with a large bandage on his head.
Len later told how he was advised to get a mole checked while playing golf.
He said: "It was good that it was what it was because it was like a little early warning, which was good because I would have probably carried on in my own sweet way and it could have become something far worse!"
Tributes have now flooded in for Len following the heartbreaking news of his death.
Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "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".
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman said: "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. X".
Bruno Tonioli said he will "treasure" the memories of the "incredible adventures and hundreds of shows" he took part in with fellow judge Len.
In a touching Instagram post, he wrote, "Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away
"They [sic] will never be anyone like you. We will miss you".
TV presenter Susanna Reid wrote: ";Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent.
"He was a beautiful man with a huge sense of humour who had such a mischievous turn of phrase.
"I'll never forget 'all bounce, bum & bongos'. My love to his family".
Piers Morgan shared a photo of him and Len dancing along with the caption: "More very sad news from the world of entertainment…
"RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan.
"Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."
Pro dancer Giovanni Pernice shared a video of Len on the dancefloor and wrote: "RIP legend."
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While Katya Jones said: "Unbelievably sad news! RIP Len Goodman. You will be treasured in our hearts forever. Our favourite."
She added: "What a privilege it was to be in your presence."
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