“He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has passed away aged 78.
The professional ballroom dancer and dance judge had been diagnosed with bone cancer and his agent Jackie Gill announced his death on Monday morning (24 April).
In a statement to Sky News, she 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.”
Goodman was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing when the show debuted in 2004. He left the series in 2016 but remained a judge on its US equivalent Dancing with the Stars until 2022.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the dancer following the news of his death.
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “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.”
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) April 24, 2023
Meanwhile, BBC Director General Tim Davie said in a statement:
“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.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
