Len Goodman passes away aged 78: Strictly star died quietly in a hospice surrounded by his household at the weekend ‘after a brief disease’

Len Goodman has actually passed away aged 78 from bone cancer, MailOnline can expose.

The much-loved Strictly Come Dancing judge had actually remained in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent following a brief disease. He died on Saturday night.

A spokesperson for Len informed MailOnline: ‘I can verify he passed away quietly over the weekend surrounded by his household.’

The previous head judge of Strictly Come Dancing from its launch in 2004 till 2016, Len was extremely popular with fans for his understanding and wry humour.

In addition to Strictly, he likewise appeared on the United States variation of the program, Dancing With destiny from 2005 till 2022. In December Len exposed how he invests his Saturday nights considering that retiring– yelling at the television while enjoying Strictly.

Len’s last look on Dancing with destiny in the United States last November

Although Len liked offering a 10 on Strictly, millions around the nation understood him finest for the method he provided a 7 to dancers throughout his 12 years on the program

It is thought Len passed away in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells after a brief disease.

His death will be grieved by leading figures in showbiz, after an excellent profession covering 6 years.

Born in London, on 25 April 1944, he started his working life as an apprentice welder at Harland and Wolff in Woolwich, and wished to be a footballer.

He just began dancing aged 20, after his medical professional suggested it to assist him recuperate from a foot injury.

He turned expert and delighted in an effective competitive dancing profession, that included winning Double of the Giants, British Increasing Stars, The British Exhibit Championships (4 times) and the World Exhibit Championships in the early 1970s.

After retiring he established the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent. He has actually been an inspector for the National Association of Educators of Dance, a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Educators of Dance, and an adjudicator for the World Dance Council.

His incomparable understanding of Latin and Ballroom, along with his fondness for well-turned metaphors, made him a preferred with countless Strictly fans in later years, where his hallmark cry of ‘7!’ points is heard long after he left the program.

Len made various television and radio looks in the UK and was likewise been a really effective speaker of numerous programs, along with starring in the Strictly Live Trip for several years.

He produced numerous DVDs for the dance mentor market along with an educational DVD for the public called ‘Dance With Len Goodman’

He released his autobiography ‘Much better Late Than Never Ever: From Barrow Kid to Ballroom’ in 2009, which was followed up by 2 other books, ‘Len’s Lost London’ and ‘Dancing Around Britain’.

Last November he revealed on Dancing With Destiny that he would be hanging up his scoring paddle for the last time at the end of that series, informing audiences: ‘This will be my last season evaluating Dancing With destiny.

‘ I have actually been on the program considering that it began in 2005, and it has actually been a big enjoyment to be a part of such a fantastic program however I have actually chosen I wish to invest more time with my grandchildren and household back in Britain,’ Goodman included.’

Len ended up being a home name to a generation of fans after signing up with Strictly – however was likewise a popular dancer as a more youthful male

Goodman was identified with prostate cancer in March 2009, which was treated with surgical treatment at a London medical facility.

In September 2021 it was reported that he had actually gone through surgical treatment the previous year for a little facial cancer malignancy.

Formerly Len had actually wed his dancing partner, Cherry Kingston, however they were later on separated. He then had a long-lasting relationship with a lady called Lesley and they had a kid, James.

He informed the Mail in 2015 that it still tickled him that he auditioned for Strictly on his 60th birthday, a time when the majority of people would be considering retirement. He still had a home mortgage and his dance school, he informs me, was making just a little earnings.

Then the terrific glitterball appeared from the sky, ‘and it altered my life’.

‘ I keep in mind coming house to [my wife] Take legal action against stating: ‘They wish to pay me ₤ 1,000 an episode and they will select me up in a vehicle, and take me house once again.’

For 12 years, he ruled the helm of Strictly, then he was tempted to the glossier, United States variation, Dancing With Destiny. It was a not likely export, however he quickly won them over.

‘ A few of the important things I brought out did puzzle them [The Americans] a bit. I keep in mind stating: ‘Provide it some welly’, and they stated ‘Willy? What’s a willy?’ However somebody stated to me, early doors: ‘Be yourself, and be sincere’ and I have actually adhered to that, as much as you can.’