Len Goodman was seen beaming as he hugged his 'DWTS' co-judge Bruno Tonioli 5 months before death
KENT, UNITED KINGDOM: Len Goodman, who died at the age of 78 due to bone cancer, was seen beaming just five months before his death as he hugged his 'Strictly' and 'Dancing With The Stars' co-judge Bruno Tonioli. Tonioli, 67, shared the sweet picture in November last year when Len bid adieu to 'Dancing With The Stars', saying he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.
"Celebrating the one and only shared ballroom legend Len Goodman, you are the best friend, best partner I could have wished for... What an incredible adventure we shared happy retirement. Love always, Bruno," Tonioli wrote, posting the photo on social media. Goodman had been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent following a short illness and died on Saturday night, April 22, six months into his retirement. He would have turned 79 on Tuesday.
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'A much-loved husband'
"I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family," a spokesperson for Goodman told Daily Mail. She added that he was "a much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."
Goodman bid a final farewell to 'Dancing With The Stars' as he departed the show after 17 years. During its first season back in 2005, he joined the series as a judge after he joined the UK version when it first aired in 2004. He was presented with his very own Mirrorball Trophy during season 31's grand finale along with a montage of some of his highlights on the show.
The series played clips of the star from his first season along with a funny clip from 2009 in which he went shirtless while wearing a large gold chain necklace. Snaps of Len teaching dance classes back in 1973 were also shown as fellow judge Derek Hough gave him a hug.
Craig Revel Horwood's tribute
'Strictly' judge Craig Revel Horwood fondly remembered his "gorgeous colleague and dear friend" following the announcement of his death on Monday. "I've just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away," he tweeted. "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 for ever. RIP".
I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. 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
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) April 24, 2023