Ex-Strictly head judge Len Goodman passes away at age 78.

Len Goodman In the presence of his loved ones, he passed away on Saturday in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. His bones have malignancy.

Goodman was on Strictly from the show’s inception in 2004 until 2016, and his sharp comedy and avuncular criticism won him fans among viewers.

He performed on Dancing With the Stars from 2005 to 2022 in addition to Strictly from 2005 to 2022.

Ex-Strictly head judge Len Goodman

Len Goodman passed away peacefully on Monday, according to a statement from his manager Jackie Gill. He was 78 years old.

“A much loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.”

When awarding candidates a score of seven points, Goodman’s animated delivery made the number became his catchphrase.

Craig Revel Horwood, who has been a judge on Strictly for the longest time, led the tributes on Monday and referred to Goodman as a “gorgeous colleague and dear friend” in his remarks.

“I always called him Len Goody Len Goodman , and ‘It’s a ten from Len & seveeeern’ will live with me forever,” he continued.

Motsi Mabuse, a fellow judge, shared a black-and-white photo of Len Goodman with the simple phrase “R.I.P.” on her Instagram story.

There will never be anyone like you, the former judge Bruno Tonioli said with a photo of the two of them. You are my perfect 10 forever.

Another former judge, Dame Darcey Bussell, said of Len Goodman, “I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny and loveable man” and how he “gave me such support on my time at Strictly.”

Susanna Reid, a past contender, described the news of Len Goodman passing as “such a terrible shock and so sad.”

“Len was the epitome of a proper gent and an incredible legend. He was a gorgeous man with a great sense of humour and a wicked way with words.

She claimed that the time he called her Samba “all bounce, bum, and bongos” will always stick in her mind.

Goodman was referred as as “one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man” by Claudia Winkleman, the show’s host.

She further stated that he was “full of twinkle, warmth, and wit.”

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He was described as “a beautiful man, genuine, warm, and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met,” by her co-host Tess Daly.

“I’ll never forget the fun we had on set, his love and passion for dancing, and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen,” she said in the post.

For me, Len, you were never a 7, you were always a 10.

Some of Goodman’s most memorable comments to Strictly competitors

• “It was hot and steamy, like a cow pat on Countryfile.”
• “Like butter on a crumpet, you floated across that floor.”
• “There you were, sizzling on the grill like two sausages… Your rear end was bionic.
• It was like to seeing a lightning-struck stork, someone once said.
• “You strategically navigated the floor like a master of chess. That tango was a mango. Delicious.”
• Hip-hop and wailing babies are the only two things in this world that I dislike.
• You moved over the floor like a crab in a rabid rage.
• “To me, wafting is essential.”

Goodman started dancing when he was 19 and won the British Championships in his late 20s. He then retired and worked as a judge, instructor, and choreographer in the industry.

From the show’s beginning, he served as the top judge, and he made his final appearance on the 2016 Christmas Day special.

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Additionally, he worked as the show’s lead judge for more than 15 years before announcing his retirement in November of last year, citing a desire to “spend more time with my grandchildren and family” in the UK.

On his BBC Radio 2 broadcast, music lover Len Goodman frequently filled in for the late Paul O’Grady.

He was described as “a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions” by BBC director-general Tim Davie, who was among those paying homage.

“He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family,” the reviewer stated. “Len was the driving force behind Strictly’s success. Both the general public and his countless friends and family will greatly miss him.

Russell Grant, a different former Strictly competitor, paid homage on Twitter by writing: “The magnificent Len Goodman has departed us. We met on various shows, including his own, which was recorded at BBC Glasgow, and he was really sweet and nice to me when I was on [the show].

Len Goodman

“The term ‘legend’ is overused, but Len and his ‘SEVEN’ [points] became a catchphrase throughout the UK & USA. a real person.”

Boxing champion Frank Bruno added: “RIP Len Goodman this is shocking. He was the man we all thought was indestructible met him several times, he said he would personally give me some dance lessons if I ever got Strictly, really sad.”

Goodman owned the Len Goodman Academy, a dance studio in Dartford, Kent, and was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award for exceptional achievements to dance.