Alja korjanec, a former Strictly Come Dancing pro, has revealed a touching reminiscence of the late Len Goodman, sharing the final message he got from the former judge weeks before his death.
Goodman died on Saturday evening, aged 78, following a brief illness in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Fans, acquaintances, and ex-colleagues have paid tribute, with Craig Revel Horwood remembering his ‘dear buddy’ and Claudia Winkleman remembering the ‘twinkle’ he brought with him.
Korjanec, who left Strictly in March 2022, posted a video on Instagram of himself and Goodman discussing a’special performance’ that they were putting together.
In the clip, the former Dancing With The Stars judge said: ‘Well I think it will start slow, then it’ll build into a frenzy in the middle, then it will calm down, and then it’ll build once more when we go into the big lifts.’
Škorjanec then quipped that he ‘couldn’t wait’ to lift Goodman during the routine.
In the caption for the post, the dancer revealed the last message he received from Goodman just weeks ago, writing: ‘We both loved our ballroom dancing more then most.
‘One of the people I respected and feared most in the @bbcstrictly ballroom, but then we became such amazing friends, always laughing and cracking jokes.
‘We only spoke a couple of weeks ago, and I wish we could’ve cracked one last joke together. And like your last message to me, Len, you were always my favourite too.’
Several people commented on Škorjanec’s post to share their condolences, including radio presenter Clara Amfo who wrote: ‘So sorry my love, vividly remember you speaking of him so fondly. Xx.’
‘Thinking of you all Aljaz, a sad time for the dance world 😢,’ someone else said, while another added: ‘So very sad! 😢 Along with Brucie, he was Strictly!! ❤️.’
The news of Goodman’s death was confirmed by his agent, who said in a statement: ‘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.’
In addition to serving as the show’s top judge from 2004 to 2016, Goodman also served on the judging panel for the US show Dancing With The Stars from 2005 to 2022.
He announced his departure from the show last year, stating that he wanted to’spend more time with my grandkids and family’ in the UK.
