We were very sad to hear that dancing legend and Strictly Come Dancing judge, Len Goodman passed away aged 78.
In a statement, his agent, Jackie Gill, 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."
The lovely Len died peacefully at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday April 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family following a battle with bone cancer. His sad death comes just a few days before his 79th birthday.
Len was a regular on our TV screens between 2004 until 2016 when he was the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. He was also famous across the pond and was a judge on the American version of Strictly, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until 2022.
Len retired from showbiz in 2022 as he wanted to spend more time with his beloved wife Sue and his grandchildren.
Tributes to Len Goodman
The lovely Anton Du Beke made this tearful tribute to Len during The One Show.
Len's early years and dancing career
Although we all know Len as a dancer, he originally set out to be a footballer. It was only when he was 20 after a foot injury that his doctor recommend he take up dancing to help his recovery. The rest is history.
He soon turned professional and won various competitions and prizes for his dancing. Once he'd won the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties, Len made the decision to retire from professional dancing.
He went on to teach and examine dance before being appointed the head judge on Strictly in 2004.