Entertainment
Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood and Claudia Winkleman honour ‘dear friend’ and ‘kind man’ Len Goodman following death of legend aged 78-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
‘Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him,’ the Strictly judge recalled fondly.
‘Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him,’ the Strictly judge recalled fondly (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Strictly Come Dancing fans are in shock following the death of the legendary Len Goodman, who has died at the age of 78.
Among those paying tribute include his former fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, who honoured his ‘dear friend’ and ‘gorgeous colleague’ in a moving tribute.
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.’
Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman highlightede 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.
Several former Strictly competitors have honoured Goodman in tributes, including Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker, Good Morning Britain host 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.’
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Goodman had a famous, signature way of saying the number ‘seven’ when scoring dances (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
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.
Goodman, then 25, pictured dancing with 20-year-old Cherry Kingston (Picture: Associated Newspapers)
‘A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.’
It was reported that Goodman died on the night of Saturday April 22 while being cared for in a hospice Tunbridge Wells in Kent after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
More to follow.
MORE : Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman dies aged 78 after ‘short illness’
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