Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman live on air when news of his death became public.
The ITV presenter interrupted her regular morning show to pay tribute to Goodman, who died over the weekend at the age of 78.
Lorraine shared a photo of the Strictly star, with Kelly describing him as: “A great guy, a really, really good guy.”
On Monday morning, Goodman’s agent Jackie Gill told the Standard: “Len died in a hospice in Kent on Saturday night. He had bone cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
“He always retained his sense of humor and great dignity.”
Former head judge of “Strictly Come Dancing”, Len Goodman, has died at the age of 78 surrounded by his family.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends this morning. 💫 pic.twitter.com/6F3UWV2v5j
– Lorraine (@lorraine) 24 April 2023
Ms Gill said Goodman was “a beloved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him”.
Goodman was head judge on Strictly from 2004 to 2016. He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), from 2005 to 2022.
When Goodman’s death was announced, he was given his last respects.
Tim Davie, BBC Director General, said: “Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm-hearted entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like family to everyone. Len was at the heart of Strictly’s success. He will be greatly missed by audiences and his many friends and family.”
A number of former Strictly stars also paid tribute to the band.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: “I have just woken up to the sad news that my wonderful colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love goes out to his lovely Sue and family. I always called him Len Goody Goodman and ‘It’s a ten from Len and seven’ will stay with me forever. RIP Len.”
Susanna Reid, who appeared in the series with dancer Kevin Clifton in 2013, wrote: “Oh this is such a terrible shock and so sad. Len was an absolute legend and the definition of a true gentleman. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour who had such a mischievous way of putting his words. I will never forget all bounce, bum and bongos. My love to his family.”
In November, Goodman announced that he would be stepping down from his role as head judge on DWTS after more than 15 years on the US show.
Goodman resigned from his position as head judge of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
He appeared on the Strictly panel with Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Arlene Phillips, who was later replaced by Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell.
Goodman’s last appearance on Strictly was the 2016 Christmas Day Special. He was replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.
