Len Goodman, the beloved and often crusty former head judge of Dancing with the Stars, as well as the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, has died.  Goodman passed away at the age of 78 following his battle with bone cancer.

According to the BBC, Len passed away while at hospice in England over the weekend on Saturday.

Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill confirmed his passing sharing, “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Throughout DWTS run, Len was the on-going presence who was often harsh and critical in his assessment of the celebrity contestants and their dance partners when they didn’t deliver enough of the signature moves from the required style of dance.   However, when you impressed Len, he would often hold up his scoring paddle and utter, “From Len, a 10!”  Those words meant so much to the couples vying for the Mirror Ball trophy each season, because if you could impress Len you felt you were on the right track.

Goodman appeared from the beginning of DWTS in 2005 through last year in 2022, when it was revealed at the end of its 31st season, he would be stepping away from the show to spend more time with his family.  Len also served as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004-2016.

Photo: ABC

This morning, following the news of Goodman’s death, Len’s former friend and DWTS colleague and judge, Bruno Tonioli tweeted: “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.”

In addition, Carrie Ann Inaba, who along with Tonioli and Goodman have been at the DWTS judges table together during the series run, posted an emotional tribute via her Instagram account paying tribute to her friend and colleague.

Inaba shared: “Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend.Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today’s news has shattered it all over again. I can’t believe that you’re gone. 💔 You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss. Thank you for all that you shared with us. Your humor, your wisdom, your wit and your truth. Until we meet again…✨Rest In Peace Len 🤍”

When it was revealed that Len was exiting Dancing with the Stars after its 31st season, the series aired a very emotional clip package honoring the man who meant so much to the show, the dancers, and the audience at home.  You can watch it below.

Len is survived by his son James and his wife, Sue Barrett.

Now, share your condolences and remembrances for Len Goodman in the comment section.

Hart broken 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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/M5qnHedx5S

— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) April 24, 2023

 

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After Tyra Banks revealed she was stepping away from Dancing with the Stars, a new co-host needed to be named and it looks like the reality-ballroom dance competition series has found their gal.

Julianne Hough, will rejoin the series, but this time as the new co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro.  Hough has previously appeared on the dance series as both a pro dancer and a judge.

With Julianne returning to the ballroom, she will be reunited with her brother, Derek Hough, who will be back at the judges table for the show’s upcoming 32nd season streaming on Disney+.

The new co-host has twice won the mirrorball trophy with celebrity partners, Apolo Ohno and Hélio Castroneves, during Dancing with the Stars fourth and fifth seasons on ABC.

As for Tyra Banks, last week, she told TMZ that she felt that it was time for her to exit DWTS and focus on her business and entrepreneurship, and that she would also be producing more TV but behind the scenes.

What do you think of Julianne replacing Tyra in the ballroom for season 32 of DWTS? Comment below.

Yesterday, Tyra Banks dropped a bombshell when speaking with a reporter from TMZ, while out for a stroll.

Banks shared that she’s not going to be returning as host of Dancing with the Stars, and has decided to focus on the business and entrepreneurial side of her career, plus producing behind the scenes entertainment projects.

This morning on Friday, Banks confirmed the news to Deadline.

Tyra had joined DTWTS in season 29 when she replaced longtime host, Tom Bergeron. She also became an executive producer of the reality-ballroom dance competition.

Last season, DWTS streamed exclusively on Disney Plus, and was taken off the ABC network.  During the last season, Tyra co-hosted the show with Alfonso Ribeiro, although she still presided over the ballroom competition.

Thus far, there has been no news of the next season of the series, although it’s expected to return.  In addition to Banks, dancer Mark Ballas along with the previously announced departure of dancer Cheryl Burke, leave the show with some shoes to fill.

Check out Tyra’s chat with TMZ below.

So, glad Tyra has checked out of Dancing with the Stars? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.