Len Goodman’s 'DWTS' colleagues were ‘kept in the dark’ about his bone cancer battle, sources claim
LONDON, ENGLAND: Len Goodman’s ‘Dancing With The Stars’ colleagues were “kept in the dark” about his bone cancer battle and did not know about his condition, sources said in the wake of the beloved judge’s death. People who worked with him in the US claimed that he was “laughing and joking” during his final appearance on the hit dancing show before he retired in November 2022.
While sources told the Daily Mail that Goodman seemed like he was “slowing down” as compared to his usual demeanor, they attributed it to his age but remained unaware that he was battling a life-threatening terminal disease. Goodman died on Saturday, April 22, at 78, just three days before his 79th birthday. “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” his agent said in a statement, adding, “A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him."
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Legendary 'DWTS' judge Len Goodman predicted his death in 2022
‘Len was such a pro’
“Len was such a pro that the moment the cameras and light came on, he became the consummate showman,” an insider told The US Sun in the wake of Goodman’s death. “Don't bother asking me to do a dance for my farewell, because that ain't happening, I just like to shuffle around these days!” he reportedly told the show bosses, sources reportedly said.
“The news about Len caught many of the production team by surprise today,” another insider told the outlet, adding, “There was an enormous feeling of sadness and grief because Len had brought so much fun and joy to the show, as well as being a perfect professional."
“Last Fall, Len was certainly less of a presence around and while he looked thin, that frailty was just thought of as him getting older,” the insider continued, adding, “Obviously, now the suggestion is that he was dealing with something very aggressive and keeping it to himself.”
Len Goodman’s health issues
Prior to his death, Goodman suffered from multiple health issues. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, for which he underwent treatment at a London hospital. He also underwent surgery for a small facial melanoma in 2020. “I don't make a fuss about stuff like that," he told the Daily Mail while speaking about his health. “It's like when you have a car — you keep it serviced but even so, you'll have some trouble with your carburetor and you'll need to get it fixed, and eventually the whole thing will conk out, and there you go. It's more about the journey, and mine has been lovely,” he added.
Goodman was reportedly battling bone cancer in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells, where he died. “My dad had the right idea. 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,” he told the outlet in an interview in 2022.