'Full of twinkle, warmth and wit': Tributes pour in for Len Goodman after death aged 78
Len Goodman would have celebrated his 79th birthday on Tuesday. ITV News entertainment reporter Rishi Davda looks back at the life of a ballroom dancing legend
Tributes have poured in for former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman after his death aged 78.
The dancer and choreographer, originally from London, had been diagnosed with bone cancer and died on Saturday night in a Kent hospice.
In a statement, his agent Jackie Gill said: "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."
Goodman was best known for his role as head judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing programme, which he held between 2004 and 2016. He was replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.
Speaking to ITV News, broadcaster Dan Walker paid tribute to his friend Len Goodman
At the age of 19 he began dancing, winning various competitions, including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late 20s, after which he retired.
He was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.
Goodman also served as head judge on Dancing With The Stars - the US version of the show - for more than 15 years, until announcing his retirement in November last year.
He said at the time that he wanted to "spend more time with my grandchildren and family" back in the UK.
As well as his successful dancing and television career, he was the owner of the Goodman Academy - a dance school in Dartford, Kent.
Friends and colleagues of Goodman have paid tribute to his life, including Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman who said Goodman was "full of twinkle, warmth and wit".
She wrote on Twitter: "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."
Broadcaster Dan Walker described the death of his friend as being "incredibly sad" but added it was "a pleasure" to have known the former dancer.
Mr Walker told ITV News: "He was one of those people who made everyone in his presence feel special and I don't think there are many people like that.
"He was so deeply loved by people here in the UK and around the world."
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood described Len Goodman as a “gorgeous colleague and dear friend”.
"Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and ‘It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len," he wrote on Twitter.
Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said he will “treasure” the memories of the “incredible adventures and hundreds of shows” he took part in with Goodman.
"There will never be anyone like you," he wrote.
Fellow judge Darcey Bussell said she feels "so lucky to have worked with such a professional, funny loveable man."
“Thank you for the special memories," she said.
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid described him as "a beautiful man".
She tweeted: "Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent."
"I'll never forget 'all bounce, bum & bongos'. My love to his family," she added.
BBC director-general Tim Davie hailed Goodman as a "wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions".
He said: "He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone's family. Len was at the very heart of Strictly's success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family."
Buckingham Palace has said the Queen Consort was “saddened” to learn of Goodman's death.
He and Camilla, an avid fan of Strictly, shared a dance in September 2019 as part of the British Dance Council’s 90th anniversary celebrations at London’s Victory Services Club. She also previously appeared in Strictly’s 2017 Christmas special, dancing with judge Craig Revel Horwood at Buckingham Palace. “Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news,” a spokesperson said.
Listen to ITV News entertainment podcast Unscripted
An accidental dance star, Len Goodman made ballroom dancing accessible to millions of people with his own cockney style. Born in Bethnal Green in London’s East End, Goodman would work selling fruit and vegetables on his grandfather’s stall.
He later became a welder in the London docks and he was training to become a footballer. Goodman’s former headteacher predicted he would be a failure in life, and warned him: “If you think you are only in this world to have a laugh and enjoy yourself, you will be in for a big shock when you get a job.”
But Goodman turned into an unexpected star after becoming a dancer by accident.
When an injury ended his football career, Goodman took up ballroom dancing aged 19 and specialised in exhibition shows, performing a variety of lifts.
He won various competitions and finally retired from dancing after winning the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties.
Fellow ballroom dancer and former Strictly professional Brendon Cole paid tribute to Len Goodman
In his spare time he would don his finest threads and hit the dance floor for what he describes as “crumpeteering”.
Goodman’s extravagant phrases and comparisons in his thick cockney accent on the BBC Show made him a fan favourite. The judge was well known for his unique way of shouting “seven” when dancers had performed well on the dance shows. Away from the ballroom, Goodman’s love of music lead to several special shows on BBC Radio 2. He was also a regular deputy for Paul O’Grady on the station.