Following the passing of the famous Len Goodman, who passed away at the age of 78, Strictly Come Dancing viewers are in disbelief.
Among those offering condolences is his former benchmate Judge Craig Revel Horwood, who paid a heartfelt homage to his “dear friend” and “gorgeous colleague.”
Writing on Twitter, Horwood shared: ‘I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
‘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.’
The BBC also issued a statement from the broadcaster’s director-general Tim Davie, who said: ‘Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. 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.’
https://www.instagram.com/p/CragYtBInAm
Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman highlighted the ‘twinkle’ that Goodman carried in his demeanour.
‘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.
New Britain’s Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli added: ‘Hart broken [sic] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away 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.’
Several former Strictly Come Dancing contestants have paid homage to Goodman, including Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker, Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid, and actor Rufus Hound.
‘So sad to hear about the death of Len Goodman. He was an incredible man and an extraordinary talent,’ Walker said.
‘Loved making telly with him, being daft with him, playing gold with him and will never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly. All my love to his family.’
Reid described Goodman’s death as an ‘awful shock’ and ‘so sad’.
‘Len was an absolute legend & the definition of a proper gent. He was a beautiful man with a huge sense of humour who had such a mischievous turn of phrase. I’ll never forget “all bounce, bum & bongos”. My love to his family,’ she wrote.
The news of Goodman’s death was announced 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.’
Goodman died during the night of Saturday, April 22, while being cared for at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, following a brief illness.
Goodman was born on April 25, 1944, in London, and worked as an apprentice welder at Harland and Wolff in Woolwich while aspiring to be a footballer.
He got into dancing when he was 20 years old, after a doctor prescribed it to help him heal from a foot ailment.