Bruno Tonioli shared sweet milestone with co-star Len Goodman weeks before death

24 April 2023 , 10:35

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Bruno Tonioli shared sweet milestone with co-star Len Goodman weeks before death

Dancing with the Stars legend Len Goodman was snapped hugging his fellow judge Bruno Tonioli to celebrate his retirement in what was one of his last ever pictures.

Len sadly died at the weekend in a hospice at the age of 78 after a short battle with bone cancer.

The image shows the pair full of smiles as they cheers Len's amazing career shortly after he announced his retirement.

Bruno wrote at the time: "Celebrating the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman you are the best my friend best partner I could have wished for @dancingwiththestars @bbcstrictly what an incredible adventure we shared happy retirement."

He signed off the post: "Love always Bruno."

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Bruno has since released an emotional tribute to his friend after finding out about his death. He said he will "treasure" the memories of the "incredible adventures and hundreds of shows" he took part in with him.

Bruno Tonioli hugged Len Goodman shortly after his decision to quit Dancing with the Stars (FACEBOOK)

"Hart (sic) broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away," he wrote on social media.

"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."

Len broke the news of his retirement on last year's semi-final show in November, telling a shocked audience he planned on spending more time with his family in Britain.

Addressing the audience with a tear in his eye, he said: "Whilst we're all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it will also be with a touch of sadness as this will be my last season judging on Dancing with the Stars.

Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli shared a brilliant chemistry (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

The pair were pals both on and off screen (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

"I've been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain."

The head judge continued: "I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing With the Stars family. It's been such a wonderful experience for me and I'm looking forward so much to next week's finale. I'm sure it's gonna be absolutely brilliant."

Tributes have flooded in since the announcement of Len's death.

As well as many from the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, presenter Piers Morgan also sent a message of condolence to the former dancer's family.

Piers wrote: "More very sad news from the world of entertainment. RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan.

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"Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."

Jamie Roberts