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Len Goodman: I just can’t understand celebrities who ignore people when they say can I have a selfie

Len Goodman has questioned why celebrities “ignore people” - Copyright ©Heathcliff O'Malley , All Rights Reserved, not to be published in any format without p
Len Goodman has questioned why celebrities “ignore people” - Copyright ©Heathcliff O'Malley , All Rights Reserved, not to be published in any format without p

Former Strictly judge Len Goodman has hit out at celebrities who refuse selfies with their fans as he waltzed with attendees of an Age UK dance class to help tackle loneliness in the elderly.

The renowned ballroom teacher last week questioned why celebrities “ignore people” whilst attending the event hosted by Age UK Lewisham and Southwark in a bid to get people up and moving. 

The 74 year old, who was recently announced as an ambassador for the charity, joined 50 local attendees of the class in Southwark.

“I love coming to these events, to go round and meet everyone and I’m not really what you’d call a celebrity,” he said. 

“I don’t feel like a celebrity put it that way but for what little celebrity status I’ve got if I can come to things like this and meet other people and brighten someone's day it’s great.

“Strictly has given me a chance to give back a little bit of the celebrity status that I’ve got to do good. I just can’t understand celebrities who ignore people when they say can I have a selfie or can you sign this. Any little things I can do for people and their communities I will do.”

Len Goodman joined 50 local attendees of a dance class in Southwark - Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley
Len Goodman joined 50 local attendees of a dance class in Southwark Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley

The dancing legend joined the charity to support its work in helping older people get the most out of later life. 

He recently attended Buckingham Palace as part of Prince Charles’ 70th Birthday celebrations where the pair joined forces to help promote wellness in the elderly. 

The dancer said: “I have never been in Buckingham Palace ever so when I was invited by Age UK I was of course pleased. I went and shook hands with Prince Charles but the school I went to in Bethnal Green - they never told us what to say when you meet a Prince, they never got round to that - but it was charming.”

During the dance class on Wednesday Mr Goodman said it was a pleasure to be surrounded by the “unsung heroes” of Britain. 

He said: “In truth you hear about footballers and celebrities and that getting OBE’s and CBE’s and stuff which is all very nice and good luck to them, but the people that really really add to their communities, people that do meals on wheels or run people to hospital or host events like Age UK - they’re the true heroes. 

Mr Goodman retired as Strictly Come Dancing head judge after the 2016 series, and despite loving every moment, said it was always better to leave “when the party is still going.” - Credit:  Heathcliff O'Malley
Mr Goodman retired as Strictly Come Dancing head judge after the 2016 series, and despite loving every moment, said it was always better to leave “when the party is still going.” Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley

“There truly are so many unsung heroes in our would and it’s a great sadness they don’t all get the recognition they deserve.”

He added: “I’m a big fan of all people going ballroom dancing and you get a lot of older people who have maybe lost their husband or wife which can be such a lonely existence and to have places where you can come and dance and interact with others and have a cup of tea.

“What’s good with dancing is it’s not only physically good but it’s mentally very good for you. If you’re going to learn a little sequence of steps you have to try and remember those so it’s got many benefits.”

Following the event charity director at Age UK said: “It’s never too late to be more active, and seeing Len at a local Age UK dance class will hopefully inspire lots of people to try and keep active as they get older.”

Mr Goodman retired as Strictly Come Dancing head judge after the 2016 series, and despite loving every moment, said it was always better to leave “when the party is still going.”

“Giving up Strictly didn’t happen on a moment's thought,” he said. 

“I just felt I’d done 14 years or however long it had been, and I decided I’d rather leave and people go ‘oh it’s a shame old Len is going’ when the party is still going, rather people people saying ‘gosh is he still on it?’.

“I don’t want them going ‘look at him now he’s dribbling’ so that’s where my decision came from.”

Mr Goodman also crowned Ed Balls the best worst dancer on the show following his famous rendition of Gangnam Style.