Tributes pour in for beloved Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman following his death
The stars of 'Strictly Come Dancing' have paid tribute to 'legend' Len Goodman following his death aged 78 after a battle with bone cancer
Len Goodman's former 'Strictly Come Dancing' colleagues have led the outpouring of tributes to him in the wake of his death.
The former 'Strictly' judge passed away on Saturday (22.04.23) at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family after a battle with bone cancer and now his friends and former colleagues have flocked to social media to pay tribute to the dancer-turned-TV star with Len being described as both "kind and lovely" and a "true character".
In a post on Twitter, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: "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 [wife] Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and 'It’s a 10 from Len and seveeeeern' will live with me forever. RIP Len."
Fellow panelist Bruno Tonioli added: "Hart [sic] 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 ... There will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10."
Professional dancer Katya Jones wrote: "Unbelievably sad news! RIP Len Goodman. You will be treasured in our hearts forever. Our favourite. What a privilege it was to be in your presence."
Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima commented: "So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. RIP LEGEND," while Gionvanni Pernice tweeted: "RIP legend."
Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman wrote: "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."
Len was also remembered by the celebrity contestants who faced him as a judge and competed to earn one of his scores of "seven!"
Russell Grant - who appeared on 'Strictly' in 2016 - tweeted: "The wonderful Len Goodman has left us. He was so kind and lovely to me when I was on @bbcstrictly and we met on other programmes including his own filmed at BBC Glasgow.
"The word legend is overused but Len and his 'SEVEN' became a catchphrase across UK USA. A true character."
Dan Walker, who danced on the show in 2021, wrote: “So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. He was an incredible man an extraordinary talent.
"Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing golf with him and will never forget the little tips he would send every week on 'Strictly'. All my love to his family."
Len was also remembered by the BBC's Director-General Tim Davie, who said: "Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. 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."
News of Len's death was shared by his agent Jackie Gill, who said in a statement: "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."
Other stars to have offered tributes to Len include Piers Morgan, who tweeted: "More very sad news from the world of entertainment … RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket and West Ham fan.
"Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."
Lorraine Kelly called Len a "smashing fellow" in a touching moment on her show 'Lorraine' on Monday morning (24.04.23) after the news broke while she was on-air. She said of the late star: "He was a smashing fellow, a really really good guy so that is very sad news this morning. So many people remember them from 'Strictly' - of course they do!
"All of out thoughts are with everybody who loves them including all of his friends and family who loved him."
