‘Dancing With the Stars’ icon passed away today

Len Goodman, who was 78 years old, passed away.

He presided over “Dancing With the Stars” as a judge.

The English dancer passed away on Saturday in a hospice in Kent, southern England. She participated in the ballroom competition from 2005 to 2018. For a long time, he had been suffering from bone cancer.

According to Jackie Gill, Goodman’s manager, he had a large family surrounding him on Monday, CNN reported.

1944 saw his birth in London. According to his website, he began dancing at the age of 19, and before entering the television industry, he was a professional dancer.

Goodman served as chief judge of BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” the British version of Dancing With The Stars, from the show’s inception in 2004 until its final broadcast on Christmas Day 2016. Rather, Shirley Ballas took over for him when he departed.

Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie led the tributes, praising Goodman as a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was loved by millions.”

“He made everyone feel like he was part of their family and was liked by people of all ages,” Davie added. The major man behind Strictly’s popularity was Len. He will be much missed by the general public, his numerous friends and family, and himself.

“Hart 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 @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10,” wrote Bruno Tonioli, another judge on “Dancing With The Stars,” alongside a heartfelt photo of Goodman holding hands.

Aside from television, Goodman owned and operated the Kent-based dancing academy, the Goodman dancing Academy. “Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom,” his autobiography, was published in 2009. He also penned “Lost London” and “Dancing Around Britain.”