Len Goodman news – latest: Strictly star dies as Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood lead tributes

Former head judge on ‘Strictly’ died after a short illness, having announced his retirement from television last November

Len Goodman death: Strictly Come Dancing star dies aged 78

Len Goodman, the former Strictly Come Dancing head judge known for his enthusiastic shouts of “sevennnnn!”, has died aged 78.

He first became a judge on the BBC dancing competition in 2004 and his final appearance was on the 2016 Christmas Day special.

Goodman was also a judge on the US show Dancing with the Stars, a role he retired from in November last year.

A statement from his agent said: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. He was replaced as head judge on the BBC show by Shirley Ballas.

“A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Tributes have been flooding in for the star. Read live updates below...

Key points

• Len Goodman dies aged 78
• Craig Revel Horwood pays tribute to ‘gorgeous’ friend and colleague
• Dan Walker shares photos of himself with Goodman

[24 April 2023 16:00 · Ellie Harrison]

Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood remembers ‘gorgeous’ friend

“I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away,” he wrote.

[24 April 2023 15:30 · Ellie Harrison]

Ainsley Harriott posts tribute

“I was always a fan and proud to have been a friend of a man with such a generous spirit...”

[24 April 2023 15:00 · Ellie Harrison]

Desert Island Discs host Lauren Laverne posts their interview

“One of my favourites”

[24 April 2023 14:30 · Ellie Harrison]

Strictly singer Tommy Blaize shares a video

“The world has lost a true gentleman,” he said.

[24 April 2023 13:57 · Ellie Harrison]

Shirley Ballas, who replaced Goodman as head judge on Strictly, shares tribute...

Ballas said she heard the “extremely sad news” as she came off Good Morning Britain...

[24 April 2023 12:47 · Ellie Harrison]

Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall posts a memory

“Spent a memorable day with him on the golf course...” he tweeted. See the post below.

[24 April 2023 12:38 · Ellie Harrison]

Robert Rinder shares praise for Goodman

“A rare gentleman: Kind, charming, exacting, encouraging and danced like a dream...” wrote the star.

[24 April 2023 12:36 · Ellie Harrison]

Darcey Bussell says she ‘feels so lucky’ to have worked with Goodman

“Very sad to hear about the death of dear wonderful gentleman, Len Goodman,” she wrote. See the full post below.

[24 April 2023 11:20 · Ellie Harrison]

A look back at Goodman’s greatest moments

From his brilliant phrases to his Lisa Vanderpump dance...

[24 April 2023 10:16 · Ellie Harrison]

Kathy Burke urges fans to listen to Goodman’s ‘Desert Island Discs'

“Len Goodman’s Desert Island Discs is a gorgeous, uplifting listen. RIP,” comedian and podcast host shared.