Strictly stars lead tearful tributes as beloved judge Len Goodman dies at 78
Strictly Come Dancing stars have led the tributes to iconic judge Len Goodman, whose death was announced today.
The much-loved TV star had been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent following a short battle with bone cancer.
The 78-year-old passed away on Saturday night surrounded by his family.
Devastated Craig Revel Horwood says he is in mourning for his friend and playfully remembered his catchphrases from the BBC show.
He tweeted: "I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
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Len Goodman has died, it has been announced (ABC via Getty Images)"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 judge Bruno Tonioli said he will “treasure” the memories of the “incredible adventures and hundreds of shows” he took part in with his fellow judge.
In an Instagram post, he wrote: “Hart (sic) broken 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”.
Anton Du Beke issued a lengthy statement this afternoon, saying: "It’s incredibly difficult to find the words to encapsulate Len, because he was everything but he was also simply, Len.
Craig Revel Horwood says he has lost a "gorgeous colleague and dear friend" (EMPICS)"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.
"He was one of the very few people that wherever he went, he was just being Len and everyone knows exactly what that means. He had a bit of a magic and that's what always made him so popular.
"Spending time with Len was wonderful. We played a lot of golf together - 40 years of playing golf. He was funny and entertaining but he was also considered and thoughtful and wonderfully interesting. He led a fascinating life. He was clever, articulate, wonderfully well-read and a great lover of poetry.
Strictly judge Len Goodman was last pictured hugging his pal Bruno Tonioli in November"And of course he had incredible appeal – as his massive success in America goes to show. They begged him to carry on and that kind of appeal is so rare. 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."
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Darcey Bussell said she was “very sad” to hear about the death of her fellow judge who was a 'huge support' to her.
“Very sad to hear about the death of dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman. My heart goes out to his family & dear Sue.
“He gave me such support on my time at Strictly. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny loveable man. “Thank you for the special memories x.”
Anton Du Beke offered a heartbreaking tribute to LenStrictly presenter 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. X”.
Heartbroken Italian pro dance Giovanni Pernice simply said on Instagram 'RIP legend'.
Dancer Brendan Cole said on This Morning: "The smile, the energy he bought, Strictly is not the same without him. He was an amazing man."
He went on: "As a personality, Len was massive, not just as a TV judge but as a person. A lovely man, with a bite, which I love. It's very sad. It's a part of TV history, the ultimate judge, he knew exactly what to say.
"When to be the good cop, when to be the bad cop, just full of love."
Dancer turned It Takes Two host Janette Manrara said Len was "one of the nicest, funniest, and kindest people I ever had the absolute pleasure of working with and calling a friend".
Her husband and dancing pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec shared a video of them both and says he spoke to Len just a few weeks ago.
"We both loved our ballroom dancing more then most. One of the people I respected and feared most in the @bbcstrictly ballroom, but then we became such amazing friends, always laughing and cracking jokes.
"We only spoke a couple of weeks ago, and I wish we could’ve cracked one last joke together. And like your last message to me, Len, you were always my favourite too."
Brendan Cole says Strictly was never the same after Len left in 2016 (BBC / Guy Levy)Russell Grant, who appeared on the show in 2011, called the popular judge 'a legend'.
He wrote on twitter: "The wonderful Len Goodman has left us. He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on @bbcstrictly and we met on other programmes including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow.
"The word legend is overused but Len and his 'SEVEN' became a catchphrase across UK & USA. A true character."
Dan Walker, who competed on the BBC competition in 2021 wrote: "So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman.
"He was an incredible man & an extraordinary talent. Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him & will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family."
Meanwhile, Downing Street said Rishi Sunak had been upset by the death of the much-loved dancer as the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "He was a great entertainer and a popular face on TV screens up and down the country. He will be missed by many."
Queen Consort Camilla also paid tribute to Len after sharing a dance with the star in September 2019 at London's Victory Services Club.
The royal later made a special appearance on the Strictly final in 2020 in two pre-recorded video clips, where she revealed she had been voting every week.
Buckingham Palace said Camilla was "saddened`' by Len's deathIn a statement following the news of Len's death, Buckingham Palace said: “Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news."
Piers Morgan shared his memories, writing on twitter: “Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions,” broadcaster wrote. “A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.”
Former Strictly judge Len joined the show in 2004 and his final appearance was on the 2016 Christmas Day special.
A statement from his agent said: “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.”
Russell Grant called Len 'a legend' (BBC)Goodman began dancing at 19, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s, after which he retired.
He was replaced as head judge on the BBC show by Shirley Ballas.
Goodman also served as head judge on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of the show, for more than 15 years until announcing his retirement in November last year.
He said at the time that he wanted to “spend more time with my grandchildren and family” back in the UK.
Goodman was also a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.
As well as his successful dancing and television career, he was also the owner of the Goodman Academy, a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Outside of dance, Goodman was a music enthusiast and regularly stood in for the late Paul O’Grady when the entertainer was away from his BBC Radio 2 show.
BBC director-general Tim Davie was among those paying tribute.
Craig says he will miss his dear friend
He said: “Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family.
“Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”
Former BBC presenter Dan Walker, who competed on Strictly in 2021 and was friends with Goodman, said he was “so sad” to hear the news.
He added: “He was an incredible man & an extraordinary talent. Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him & will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family.”
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