Strictly fans 'sobbing' as judges pay tribute to Len Goodman with emotional speeches
ok.co.ukStrictly Come Dancing viewers were left 'sobbing' during Saturday night's launch show, as stars of the BBC show paid tribute to the late Len Goodman.
Professional dancer Len, who was Strictly's head judge from 2004 until 2016, sadly passed away at the age of 78 in April after battling bone cancer.The first show of Strictly's 2023 series aired on 16 September and a touching tribute to Len was aired, with judges Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke both sharing emotional messages about their late friend. "If you asked me a question 'was Len one of your best friends?' I'd say 'absolutely'.
I would love to say goodbye," said Craig. Anton added: "Len is someone you'd want as a friend and I was fortunate to have Len as a friend for many years.There's a song by Matt Monroe and it's I'll Only Miss Him When I Think of Him, but I miss him every day." Host Claudia Winkleman also featured in the tribute, saying: “He was perfect in every way.
Len could light up a room so when you were with him you felt aglow. He would say pickle my walnuts, he was funny, you wanted to watch him.” TV viewers were reduced to tears after watching the sweet tribute, with dozens taking to social media to share their thoughts. "Look how loved Len was just a massive part of #Strictly sobbing here," one fan said, while a second wrote: "god not the len goodman tribute im about to start sobbing my eyes out #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing".
Read more on ok.co.uk