Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has died aged 78

Strictly Come Dancing star Len Goodman has died at the age of 78.

The former Strictly and Dancing With The Stars judge passed away in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent on Saturday 22 April where he was being treated following a short illness. He had been diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020.

A spokeswoman for Goodman said: "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family."

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Former ballroom dancer and coach Goodman revealed in 2020 he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and had a mole removed from his forehead.

He is reported to have developed bone cancer. Goodman was also treated for prostate cancer in 2009.

Goodman was head judge on BBC's Strictly when it launched in 2004 until 2016.

He was also head judge on the US version of the celebrity dance contest Dancing With The Stars from 2005 until 2022.

He announced his retirement from Dancing With The Stars in November 2022 to spend more time with his family.

Goodman said: "I've been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.

"I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing with the Stars family. It's been such a wonderful experience for me."

Goodman married his second wife, 57-year-old dance teacher Sue Barrett, in 2012 after more than 10 years together. He was also married to former dance partner Cherry Kingston for 15 years until 1987.

He had one son James, aged 42, with former partner Lesley.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain about undergoing cancer treatment in August 2020 he said: “I had a tiny little mole thing on the side of my head, probably from being out and playing golf and whatever. And it was such a simple process. The doctor put a few injections around it, took it out and I’m back to my gorgeous self.

“It’s so important that we do keep covered up. I used to wear a baseball cap but now I wear a straw hat which fully covers the forehead and so on. I put a lot of Factor 50 on my face when I play golf and fingers crossed everything is going to be gorgeous.”

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood said on Instagram: "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 called him and “it’s a ten from Len and seveeeeern” will live with me forever. Rest in peace Len."

Former Strictly professional dancer Brendan Cole told This Morning: "It's very shocking. I think it will upset the entire nation.

"A lovely man with a bite, which I loved, [it's] very sad.

"The smile, the energy he brought, Strictly has not been the same since [he left]. Just an amazing man."

News presenter Dan Walker tweeted: "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 & will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family."

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General said in a statement: “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.”

Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman tweeted: “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."

TV presenter and 2013 Strictly contestant Susanna Reid said: "Oh this is such an awful shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent. He was a beautiful man with a huge sense of humour who had such a mischievous turn of phrase. I’ll never forget “all bounce, bum & bongos”. My love to his family."

Piers Morgan tweeted: "More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."

Comedian Rufus Hound tweeted: "Where you off to Len? 'Heaven!' Fare well LG. No-one held a paddle (or conveyed more joy in ballroom dancing) than you x"

And celebrity astrologer Russell Grant, who competed on the show in 2011, said: "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."

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Goodman was born in London in 1944 and started dancing at the age of 19.

He retired after eight years after he won the British Ballroom Championships in Blackpool and became a dance teacher.

Goodman was a keen cricket fan, and originally trained as an apprentice engineer before discovering dance.

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