Former 'Dancing with the Stars' Head Judge Len Goodman Passes Away at 78

Len Goodman, the former head judge of Dancing with the Stars, has passed away at the age of 78 due to bone cancer. His manager, Jackie Gill, confirmed the sad news in a statement shared with BBC News on Monday. Gill said, "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78. A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends, and all who knew him."

Goodman was surrounded by his family when he died on Saturday at a hospice in Kent, England. He appeared as a judge on DWTS from 2005 until 2022 and was also a head judge on the British version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing, from its launch in 2004 until 2016.

"Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions," said BBC Director-General Tim Davie in a statement shared on Twitter. "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."

Piers Morgan, a TV host, also paid tribute to Goodman on Twitter and shared a photo of the pair dancing together. "More very sad news from the world of entertainment... RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan," Morgan wrote. "Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."

In November 2022, PEOPLE exclusively confirmed that Goodman had retired from the Disney+ dance competition series. During an episode of DWTS, he announced the news and received a standing ovation from the crowd. Goodman said, "Doing a live show, you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging. I haven't fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it's best to go before I start to do so!"

"I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges, and the camaraderie with everyone on the show," Goodman added. "I'll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers, and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV."

Goodman, a professional ballroom dancer from England, first joined DWTS during the show's first season in 2005. He served as a judge for the first 20 seasons before taking a break for season 21. He then returned to judge for seasons 22-28 and returned again for season 30 until his retirement. The show's 32nd season is set to air later this year, and Goodman will truly be missed by fans and colleagues alike.