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Len Goodman dies at 78: Tributes pour in for 'Dancing With The Stars' judge who was battling bone cancer

The reality star passed away in hospice care over the weekend while surrounded by family

LONDON, ENGLAND: Tributes have been pouring in from across the globe following the demise of 'Dancing With The Stars' judge Len Goodman. The reality star passed away in hospice care over the weekend at age 78, succumbing to bone cancer.

Goodman, who also served as head judge of the British version of the show 'Dancing With The Stars' from 2004 to 2016, was hugely popular with fans for his knowledge of dance and wry humor. "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78," a statement from his agent said. "A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him."

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Goodman notably began dancing at 19 and won various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s. Tributes were led by his UK colleagues from 'Strictly Come Dancing' after the news of his demise first broke.

'Thank you for special memories'

'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."

Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Darcey Bussell chimed in, "Very sad to hear about the death of a dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman. My heart goes out to his family & dear Sue. He gave me such support on my time at Strictly. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny loveable man. Thank you for the special memories x."

His 'Dancing With The Stars' co-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 a 10 from us all'

Aside from tributes from those linked to the British dance show, several other prominent figures offered their condolences to the late star. TV presenter Susanna Reid described Goodman as "a beautiful man," tweeting, "Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent. He was a beautiful man with a huge sense of humor who had such a mischievous turn of phrase. I'll never forget 'all bounce, bum & bongos'. My love to his family."

Presenter Piers Morgan added, "More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke." Welsh crooner Aled Jones chimed in, "Sad to hear of the death of Len Goodman - loved him to bits! Such a kind, fun and lovely man."

British barrister Robert Rinder wrote, "A rare gentleman: Kind, charming, exacting, encouraging & danced like a dream...Thank you for bringing so much joy. RIP Len Goodman...It’s a 10 from us all." Russell Grant, who appeared on Strictly in 2011, remembered his famous catchphrase. "The wonderful Len Goodman has left us," he tweeted. "He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on and we met on other programs including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow. The word legend is overused but Len and his 'SEVEN' became a catchphrase across UK & USA. A true character."

Tom Bergeron, the former host of 'Dancing With The Stars,' posted a collage of photos with Goodman on his Instagram. “A good man, indeed. RIP," he wrote in the caption.

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