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Len Goodman, the renowned ballroom dancer, and longtime judge on ‘Dancing with the Stars‘ and its British counterpart ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘, has passed away at the age of 78 due to bone cancer, surrounded by family at a hospice in Kent (England), as his agent Jackie Gill told the BBC.

Goodman announced his retirement from DWTS in November 2022, stating that he wanted to spend more time with his family and grandchildren back in Britain.

His colorful feedback and distinct delivery, including his signature score proclamations of «se-VEN,» made him a popular figure. Tributes are pouring in from his colleagues and fans, who are remembering him for his wit and warmth.

Path to Fame

Goodman began his career as a professional ballroom dancer when he was 19 years old. After winning the British Championships in the 1970s, he retired in his late 20s to open a dance school. He later won the Carl Alan Award for his career and also wrote several books, including his biography ‘Better Late Than Never: Form Barrow Boy to Ballroom’.

However, his entrance to television and internacional fame occurred several decades leater. He started to become a household name on his 60s, when becoming one of the judges of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Dancing With The Stars‘.

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Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons. He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance. pic.twitter.com/NWxHMD9e7q

— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@officialdwts) April 24, 2023

«When I was first asked to do the programme, I wasn’t sure, because I thought it might be a bit of a mickey-take, but I’m so glad I did it because it’s dispelled the preconception about what dance classes or schools are like. The programme has changed things in dancing schools like you can’t imagine. Everyone has had huge influxes of people coming to dance. It’s absolutely brilliant», Goodman told the Guardian back in 2006.

Len Goodman’s legacy will go down in history after a lifetime dedicated to dance, as one of the most iconic figures in television history.