27 September 2023 , 00:13
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Dancing With The Stars returned to TV screens on Tuesday, with the familiar faces of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough returning to the judging panel.
But there was a noticeable absence on the judges' table this season, following the death of Head Judge, Len Goodman, following his death earlier this year at the age of 78.
The popular dance competition, which is in its 32nd season, paid tribute to the late dancing icon, with a moving tribute at the start of the show, which left viewers emotional.
In the tribute, Dancing With The Stars shared they were officially renaming the famous mirrorball trophy. Alfonso Ribeiro was to first to bring up Len as he kicked off the show, mentioning the judge's noticeable absence from the judging panel.
The show paid moving tribute to Len (abc)His new co-host Julianne Hough then said: "Len was on this panel for nearly all of our 32 seasons and although he's irreplaceable we wanted to pay tribute to him."
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The hosts then revealed that they would be renaming the mirrorball trophy to The Len Goodman mirrorball trophy. Julianne then added: "Len will always be going forward with us."
Viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the poignant tribute. One social networker said: "Honouring Len with the mirrorball is so sweet and fitting. He will be missed."
Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro shared the show's plans to pay tributes to Len GoodmanWhile another Twitter user said: "We miss you, Len! Love that the trophy is now named after him." A third added: "Knowing Len will be honoured every season with the trophy warms my heart ♥️ miss you Len it’ll never be the same without you."
And a fourth said: "Me tearing up at the mention of Len. We miss you, Len." Dancing With The Stars will also be hosting a special dance routine later in the series in a nod to Len Goodman.
The ballroom icon died in April at the age of 78 in a hospice in Kent in the UK following a short battle with bone cancer. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones at the time of death, with his agent releasing a statement at the time saying: "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."