Len Goodman Dies: Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ & ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Judge Was 78
deadline.comLen Goodman, the former Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars judge, has died aged 78. Goodman’s agent confirmed his death and said he had “died peacefully, surrounded by his family” in hospital.
Goodman was a popular judge on the BBC’s smash entertainment format Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2016, where he became well known for his light-hearted enthusiasm and witty banter.
He was replaced by Shirley Ballas in 2016. Goodman was simultaneously head judge on Strictly Come Dancing’s U.S. version Dancing with the Stars, taking on that role from 2005 until last year, when he announced he would be retiring during the semi finals of the show, stating that he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren and family back in the UK.
He was born in London in 1944 and was a professional dancer in the decades prior to his TV work, winning numerous awards. Alongside Strictly Come Dancing, Goodman made multiple TV appearances including hosting the likes of Len Goodman’s Dance Band Days and Len Goodman’s Perfect Christmas on the BBC.
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