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'Dancing With the Stars' judge Len Goodman dies in hospice care while surrounded by family at 78

The reality star passed away Saturday night, April 22, just six months after he retired and just days before he would have turned 79 on Tuesday, April 25. 

LONDON, ENGLAND: Len Goodman has succumbed to bone cancer at age 78. The beloved 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge had reportedly been in hospice care in Tunbridge Wells in Kent following a short illness. The reality star passed away Saturday night, April 22, just six months after he retired and just days before he would have turned 79 on Tuesday, April 25.

The former professional dancer became a household name after appearing on 'Dancing With The Stars' from 2005 until 2022. Goodman was also a head judge on the British version of the show, called 'Strictly Come Dancing', from its launch in 2004 until 2016.

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"I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family," a spokeswoman for Goodman told the Daily Mail, adding that he was "a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Born in Bethnal Green, Goodman grew up in Blackfen, Bexley was a professional dancer and teacher who once worked as a welder and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. The TV star went on to be regarded as a national treasure after he auditioned for 'Strictly Come Dancing' aged 60. His demise was mourned by prominent personalities in showbiz after an illustrious career that spanned six decades.

'He was one of a kind'

'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood remembered Goodman as a "gorgeous colleague and dear friend" in his tribute. "I've just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away," he tweeted, adding, "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."

Meanwhile, 'Strictly Come Dancing' presenter Claudia Winkleman described Goodman as "full of twinkle, warmth, and wit." She wrote, "I'm so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth, and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends. X."

'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Britain's Got Talent' judge Bruno Tonioli offered, "[Heartbroken] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10.

It's worth noting that Goodman was hugely popular with 'Strictly...' fans for his knowledge, humor, and enthusiastic personality. He was eventually replaced as head judge on the BBC show by Shirley Ballas in 2016. As mentioned, Goodman also appeared on the US version of the show, 'Dancing With the Stars' from 2005 until November 2022, which would be his last TV appearance before he declared he was retiring to spend more time with his family. 

'A dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky'

Speaking to the Mail in December, Goodman revealed how he spent his Saturday nights post-retirement yelling at the TV screen while watching Strictly and especially Craig Revel Horwood, who he endearingly called "bl**dy Craig." He told the newspaper, "My dad had the right idea, too. He loved gardening and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that'll be next year." At the time, Goodman suggested that his interviewer Jenny Johnston could write his obituary. "Just write, 'He was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky.' Because that's just about the truth of it," he said.