Len Goodman was the ultimate ballroom judge, says Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith has heaped praise on Len Goodman, the former Dancing With the Stars judge.
Emmitt Smith thinks Dancing With the Stars has changed dramatically since Len Goodman's passing.
The former NFL running back was crowned the Dancing With the Stars champion back in 2006 - but Emmit believes that Len's passing, in April 2023, has changed the TV show.
Speaking to Us Weekly, Emmitt explained: "Len was the ultimate ballroom judge and he did not like a lot of freestyle stuff. So, a lot of those hip-hop things that you see right now is probably because Len is not around any longer, unfortunately."
Len died of prostate cancer, aged 78, and Emmitt has hailed him as a "great judge" on the show.
The sports star explained: "Len was such a stickler on ballroom because this is a ballroom competition.
"However, the creativity of the dancers and the creativity that you see come out on some of these routines, it actually showcases the talent and the breadth and the depth a person can actually grow to. Sometimes people don’t know that it’s in them until they try these things."
Emmitt also explained that he still has very fond memories of competing on the TV show.
He said: "Dancing With the Stars was a great show for a person to really get outside of their comfort zone, let their hair down and just relax and enjoy the moment. If you learn the routine quick enough and the techniques and the posture and everything else, it just flows and you have a ball."
Len announced his retirement from Dancing With the Stars in 2022, at the end of season 31.
He explained at the time that he wanted to spend more time with his family and his grandchildren in Britain.
Len told People: "Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging.
"I haven't fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it's best to go before I start to do so!"
