Len Goodman, former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ judge, dead at 78

Len Goodman, former “Dancing with the Stars” head judge, has died. He was 78.

Goodman died on Saturday, three days before his 79th birthday, after a battle with bone cancer at a hospice in Kent, England, surrounded by family, according to his manager, Jackie Gill.

More from GoldDerby

• 'American Idol' Top 20: Who gave the best performance? [POLL]

• 'American Idol 21' episode 13 recap: The Top 20 are revealed and sing for a spot in the Top 12 [UPDATING LIVE BLOG]

• 'Survivor 44' Top 9: Your favorite players are Carolyn Wiger and Carson Garrett [POLL RESULTS]

“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Gill said in a statement to the BBC. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

A competitive dancer in his 20s, Goodman won several titles, including the British Championships. He served as head judge on the U.K.’s “Strictly Come Dancing” from its 2004 debut until 2016. In 2005, he started pulling double duty when “Dancing with the Stars” launched stateside and became known for his tough love, curmudgeonly quips and highly coveted “10 from Len” score at the judges’ table. Goodman, who missed Seasons 21 and 29 of the ABC-turned-Disney+ series, announced his retirement at the end of Season 31 in November, saying he planned to spend more time with his family.

SEE In memoriam: Celebrities who died in 2023

“Dancing” honored Goodman with a tribute video and his own Mirrorball trophy upon his retirement.

“Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons. He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance,” read a tweet on the “Dancing” Twitter account Monday. “We are devastated by the news of his passing and our hearts are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Tributes from Goodman’s former colleagues poured in Monday.  “A Good Man, indeed,” original “Dancing” host Tom Bergeron posted on Instagram with a collage of photos of himself with Goodman through their 14 years on the show.

Bruno Tonioli, who judged alongside Goodman on “Strictly” and “Dancing,” tweeted that he was “[heartbroken] my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away.” He added he will “treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts. [There] will never be anyone like you. [You] will always be my perfect 10.”