In the final photo released before his death, Len Goodman was seen hugging Strictly Come Dancing co-star Bruno Tonioli.
The Strictly Come Dancing veteran died on Saturday night at the age of 78 after a fight with bone cancer, according to reports. He was being treated for in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells following a’short illness’.
He was last seen in November of last year, when he reconnected with old Strictly co-star and lifelong buddy Bruno to celebrate Len’s retirement.
Bruno first uploaded the photo of the duo grinning and hugging as he referred to his pal as “the only and only ballroom legend.”
He wrote at the time: ‘Celebrating the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman you are the best my friend best partner I could have wished for @dancingwiththestars @bbcstrictly what an incredible adventure we sheared happy retirement.
‘Love always Bruno.’
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Bruno re-posted the photo after his friend died, saying he will ‘cherish the memories’ of their exploits on and off television.
‘Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away,’ he wrote.
‘I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars they will never be anyone like you we will miss you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Bruno (sic)’
‘It is with great regret to say that Len Goodman has gone away peacefully, aged 78,’ said Goodman’s agency in a statement.
‘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 Len, including from his and Bruno’s fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood.
‘I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away,’ he wrote.
‘My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len.’
And Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman emphasised Goodman’s ‘twinkle’ in his manner.
‘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. X,’ she said.
‘Len Goodman was a brilliant, friendly entertainer who was liked by millions,’ said BBC director-general Tim Davie in a statement. He attracted to people of all ages and made everyone feel like he was a member of their 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.’
