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Leonard Gordon Goodman (25 April 1944 – 22 April 2023) was an English professional ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and dance competition adjudicator. He appeared as head judge on the British television programme Strictly Come Dancing – in which various celebrities compete for the glitterball trophy – from its beginning in 2004 until 2016, and on the American television programme Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022. He also ran a ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Goodman was born in Farnborough, Kent, on 25 April 1944.[2][3] He grew up in Bethnal Green, East London, where his grandfather worked as a costermonger, selling fruit and vegetables. As a child, Goodman was wheeled around in his grandfather's barrow and tasked with making sure the vegetables appeared to be fresh.[4] He moved to Blackfen when he was six years old and later attended Westwood Secondary Modern School in his teens, where he was a member of the cricket team.[5]

Career

[edit]

Goodman was an apprentice welder for Harland and Wolff in Woolwich.[2] He started dancing at the late age of 19, after his doctor recommended it as therapy for a foot injury.[6]

Goodman turned professional, won various competitions, and retired from dancing after winning the British Championships at Blackpool in his late twenties.[6] He was a recipient of the Carl Alan Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance and in 2006 and 2007 a show in which he appeared was nominated for the Emmy Award in the Outstanding Reality/Competition Program category.[3]

Strictly Come Dancing

[edit]
Main article: Strictly Come Dancing

Goodman appeared as head judge on the BBC One dance competition Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2016. He appeared on the panel with Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood; Phillips was later replaced by Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell. In July 2016, Goodman announced he would be leaving the show at the end of that year's series. His final appearance was on the Christmas Day Special. On 9 May 2017, it was announced that Shirley Ballas would succeed Goodman as head judge.[7] Goodman had also appeared on the original Come Dancing series as a judge.

Dancing with the Stars

[edit]
See also: Dancing with the Stars

Goodman had been the sole head judge on Strictly Come Dancing's American adaptation, Dancing with the Stars. He had appeared with fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli since the show's inception and for five seasons with alternating fourth judges and the brother-sister pair of Julianne Hough and Derek Hough. He missed much of season 19 and season 23 due to his responsibilities in the UK,[8] and he did not appear as a judge in season 21[9][10] and season 29, but presented short segments on dance styles during the latter season.[11] On 14 November 2022, Goodman announced during the season 31 semifinals broadcast that he would be retiring from the show to spend more time with his family in Great Britain.[12] Goodman died from cancer on 22 April 2023.

After Goodman's death, the Mirrorball Trophy was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, season 32 in his honor.[13][14][15] On 24 October 2023, Dancing with the Stars Season 32 paid tribute to the late Goodman, when many of the original dancers returned to perform a choreographed group waltz to "Moon River". Goodman's wife was present for the performance.

Other television work

[edit]

In 2005, Goodman voiced Professor in the five-time Emmy Award–winning children's program Auto-B-Good.[16]

Len Goodman on the cover of Dartford Living, October 2008

In both 2007 and 2008, he was one of the UK's commentators at the Eurovision Dance Contest.[17]

In March and April 2012, Goodman hosted a three-part BBC One documentary that was broadcast in the United States by PBS for the 100th anniversary of the voyage and sinking of the RMS Titanic. It capitalised on his experience as a welder at Harland and Wolff, and in it he interviewed descendants of survivors, and introduced viewers to memorials and significant sites in the United Kingdom.[18]

In 2013, Goodman presented the BBC Four programme Len Goodman's Dance Band Days. He also hosted Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas on Boxing Day on BBC One. In November and December 2013 Goodman and Lucy Worsley presented the BBC Four three-part show Dancing Cheek to Cheek.[19]

In August 2014, Goodman was one of a number of well-known faces taking part in ITV's two-part documentary series Secrets from the Clink.[20][21] In October 2014, Goodman hosted BBC One show Holiday of My Lifetime. The show returned for a second series in February 2016, in which he was featured with Dan Walker, Carol Kirkwood, and many more.[22]

In November 2015, Goodman and chef Ainsley Harriott presented the BBC show Len and Ainsley's Big Food Adventure, a 10-part series exploring world cuisine in England and Wales. Prior to the show he had never eaten curry, spaghetti or Chinese food.[23]

In 2017, Goodman presented a family game show called Partners in Rhyme, based on Matt Edmondson's game, Obama Llama.[24]

In October 2021, Goodman made a guest appearance in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as part of a dancing storyline, when his voice was heard, while dance teacher Trish Minniver, portrayed by Denise Welch, was reminiscing.[25]

Radio

[edit]

Between 2013 and 2018, Goodman occasionally deputised for Paul O'Grady on his Sunday afternoon music show on BBC Radio 2, playing the music that he had grown up with.[26] In 2021, he hosted three special bank holiday shows for Boom Radio.[27]

Other work

[edit]

In 2006, he appeared on an all singing/dancing version of The Weakest Link and beat Stacey Haynes in the final to win the prize money of £8,050, for his nominated hospice care charity Demelza, of which he was an official patron.[28][29]

Goodman's autobiography Better Late Than Never, written with Richard Havers, was published by Ebury Press in 2008.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

Goodman married his dancing partner Cherry Kingston in 1972,[31] but they divorced in 1987.[6][32] He then had a long-term relationship with a woman named Lesley, whom he described as the ex-wife of "a bloke called Wilf Pine who had managed the band Black Sabbath".[33] Goodman and Lesley's son, James William Goodman, was born on 26 January 1981, but at the age of 12 moved with his mother back to her native Isle of Wight after his parents had separated. As of 2012, James started Latin and ballroom dancing at his father's Goodman Dance Centre.[34]

On 30 December 2012, Goodman married his companion of more than ten years, Sue Barrett, a 47-year-old dance teacher, in a small ceremony at Mosimann's, a London dining club.[35]

Goodman was a West Ham United fan and was featured on the BBC football show Football Focus on 26 September 2009.[36] He was also a keen cricket fan and in May 2009 took part in a celebrity Ashes cricket match in Van Nuys, California.[37]

In October 2011, Goodman appeared on the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?,[38] in which he discovered that one of his maternal ancestors was a silk-weaver who died a pauper in the Bethnal Green workhouse. Goodman's great-great-grandfather, Josef/Joseph Sosnowski,[39] came from Poland, where he fought in the anti-tsarist November uprising,[40] for which he was awarded the Virtuti Militari, Poland's highest military decoration for heroism and courage.[41] After finding out about his ancestry, Goodman said: "I feel no different, I look no different, I am no different and yet I'm not what I thought I was. I thought that I was truly an Anglo-Saxon, English through and through."[39]

In March 2009, Goodman was diagnosed with prostate cancer,[42] which was treated surgically at a London hospital. In 2020, he underwent surgery for a small facial melanoma.[43]

Through his son James, Goodman became a grandfather in 2015 when his granddaughter Alice was born; his grandson Dan was born four years later in 2019.[44]

Death

[edit]

Goodman died from prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones.[45][46][47] He died at a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells on 22 April 2023, three days before his 79th birthday.[46][48] Fellow Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli paid tribute to Goodman on social media.[49] Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman called Goodman "a class act" who was full of "twinkle, warmth and wit".[50]

Filmography

[edit]

Publications

[edit]
  • Goodman, Len (with Richard Havers) (2008), Better Late Than Never: from Barrowboy to Ballroom, Ebury Press, ISBN 978-009-1928-03-2
  • Smith, Rupert (2005), Strictly Come Dancing; dance consultant: Len Goodman. London: BBC Books ISBN 0-563-52293-3
  • Goodman, Len (2014), Dancing Around Britain, Trinity Mirror Media, ISBN 9781908695918

References

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[edit]

Grokipedia

Len Goodman

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from Grokipedia
Leonard Gordon Goodman (25 April 1944 – 22 April 2023) was an English professional ballroom dancer, coach, author, and television personality, renowned for his role as head judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2016 and on ABC's Dancing with the Stars from 2005 to 2022.[1][2] He began his dancing career after a football injury in his late teens, becoming a four-time British Exhibition Ballroom Champion and runner-up in the World Exhibition Championships.[3] Goodman owned and operated the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford, Kent, where he taught for decades, and he authored books including his 2008 autobiography Better Late Than Never.[4] His warm, witty judging style and catchphrases like "keeps us on our toes" helped popularize ballroom dancing globally through television.[2] He died at age 78 from bone cancer at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, survived by his wife Sue Barrett and son James.[1] Born in Farnborough, Kent, Goodman grew up in a working-class family in Bethnal Green, East London, where his parents ran a greengrocer's stall and he helped sell vegetables from his grandfather's barrow as a child.[4] After leaving school at 15, he trained as an apprentice welder at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in London's docks and aspired to a professional football career, but a severe ankle injury at age 19 ended that dream.[5] Encouraged by his mother, he began ballroom dancing lessons, initially to rehabilitate his injury, and soon discovered a passion for exhibition-style ballroom, which emphasized dramatic lifts and performance.[4] Goodman turned professional in his early 20s, partnering with Cherry Kingston (née Tolhurst), whom he married in 1972; they won the British Exhibition Ballroom Championship four times between 1968 and 1975 and finished as runners-up in the World Exhibition Championships.[3] The couple divorced in 1987 after having no children together.[4] In 1981, during a relationship with dance student Lesley Roper, Goodman became a father to son James; the pair did not marry.[4] He established his dance studio in Dartford in 1987, adapting to trends like disco dancing in the 1970s and 1980s to build a thriving business, and served as a judge at major competitions including the British National Championships.[4] Goodman received honors such as the Carl Alan Award for dance teaching and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Federation of Teachers of Dancing.[3] Goodman's television breakthrough came at age 60 when he was recruited as a last-minute replacement judge for the inaugural series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, quickly becoming its head judge and a beloved figure for his East End humor and encouraging demeanor.[4] He reprised the role on the American adaptation Dancing with the Stars starting in 2005, retiring from Strictly in 2016 but returning for specials, and stepping down from the U.S. version in 2022 due to health issues related to his cancer diagnosis.[2] In 2012, he married long-term partner Sue Barrett, a former actress and publicist, with whom he split time between homes in London and Los Angeles.[4] His son James, a professional producer and director, is married with two children, Alice and Jack, making Goodman a grandfather in his later years.[4] In November 2025, he was honored during the 20th anniversary celebration episode of Dancing with the Stars.[6]

Early life

Birth and family background

Leonard Gordon Goodman was born on 25 April 1944 in Farnborough, Kent, England.[7][8] His parents were Leonard "Len" Goodman, an electrician who worked at airfields during the Second World War, and Louisa Goodman (née Eldridge), a homemaker.[7] As the family's only child, Goodman grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Bethnal Green in London's East End, where his grandfather operated as a costermonger selling fruit and vegetables from a market stall.[8][7] The family later moved to Blackfen, Kent, when Goodman was six, where his parents ran a greengrocer's shop.[7][8] The Goodman family resided in a modest, overcrowded two-up two-down terraced house typical of the area, amid the challenges of post-war Britain.[8] Rationing, which persisted until 1954, shaped daily life, with limited access to food and resources during the economic recovery from World War II.[8] From a young age, Goodman showed little interest in academics, preferring physical activities such as football and cricket.[9] He attended Westwood Secondary Modern School in Welling but left at age 15 without formal qualifications, forgoing a potential football trial to train as an apprentice welder, reflecting his early redirection toward a trade career.[7][9] This period of childhood and adolescence laid the foundation for his resilient, no-nonsense approach to life.

Introduction to dance

At the age of 19, Len Goodman suffered a broken metatarsal in his foot while playing football for Slade Green United on Hackney Marshes, an injury that ended his aspirations in the sport. A Scottish locum doctor recommended ballroom dancing as a form of physiotherapy to strengthen the injured foot through repetitive up-and-down movements, prompting Goodman to attend his first class at the Erith Dance Studio in southeast London. Initially reluctant and accompanying his girlfriend, he found the experience surprisingly engaging despite wearing mismatched footwear—a winklepicker on one foot and a carpet slipper on the other due to the injury.[10][8][11] Goodman's entry into dance marked a pivotal shift from his earlier interests in sports and manual labor, as he began regular lessons at the local studio under the guidance of instructor Miss Tolhurst and her assistant Pauline. His family provided subtle encouragement during recovery, with his father mentioning the availability of a beginners' ballroom class, which helped facilitate his initial steps. Within months, Goodman demonstrated notable aptitude, transitioning from a novice to participating in amateur events as he immersed himself fully in the discipline by the mid-1960s.[12][10] He soon formed his first amateur partnership with Cherry Kingston, a young dancer and would later become his wife; together, they entered local competitions in the London area, including their debut at a Pontin's-sponsored amateur event held at the Royal Albert Hall. This rapid advancement—from rehabilitation exercise to competitive amateur dancing within a year—solidified Goodman's commitment to ballroom, leading him to prioritize it over previous pursuits like welding and football. Their early outings in regional venues around southeast London honed his skills in Latin and ballroom styles, setting the foundation for his deeper involvement in the dance world.[8][13][10]

Professional dancing career

Competitive successes

Goodman turned professional in the late 1960s, initially partnering with Cherry Kingston, whom he later married in 1972.[7][14] His competitive career in the 1960s and 1970s yielded several notable victories in ballroom and exhibition dancing. In 1969, he and Kingston won the Kent Professional Championships.[7] In 1972, they secured the British Professional Rising Stars title.[7][14] Goodman also claimed the Duel of the Giants competition at the Royal Albert Hall in 1973 and again in 1975.[7][14] He was a four-time winner of the British Exhibition Championships in 1968, 1970, 1973, and 1975, and was runner-up in the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s.[3][15] On the international stage, Goodman's successes extended to the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, where he won the British Championships in the early 1970s.[16][17] These achievements highlighted his prowess in exhibition and ballroom styles, contributing to his reputation as a leading professional dancer of the era.[18] Goodman retired from competitive dancing in his late twenties, around 1973, following his Blackpool victory, after approximately five years as a professional.[16][7]

Teaching and choreography

After retiring from competitive dancing in his late twenties, Len Goodman transitioned into teaching by establishing the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford, Kent, during the 1970s.[19] The school, one of the longest-running in the region, offered classes in ballroom and Latin American dance styles, attracting students of all ages and skill levels over more than five decades.[20][21] Goodman personally instructed hundreds of pupils at the academy, passing on his expertise in dances such as the jive, quickstep, tango, and paso doble to generations of learners.[22] Former students recalled his encouraging approach, which made complex techniques approachable while infusing lessons with humor and showmanship to keep classes engaging.[23] His mentorship helped nurture emerging talent, contributing to the academy's reputation for producing skilled dancers.[24] In addition to studio teaching, Goodman created instructional materials, including videos demonstrating Latin dance routines and books on ballroom techniques, drawing from his competitive background to emphasize practical, entertaining instruction.[18] He also advised on dance events and served in roles supporting organizations like the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, leveraging his lifelong experience to promote the art form.[18]

Television judging career

Strictly Come Dancing

Len Goodman joined the judging panel of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing as its inaugural head judge for the first series in 2004, a role he held for 14 seasons until 2016.[25] Drawing on his background as a professional ballroom dancer and adjudicator, Goodman provided expert critiques that balanced technical precision with accessibility for a broad audience.[16] His tenure coincided with the show's rapid rise in popularity, as viewership grew from modest beginnings to averages exceeding 10 million for weekend episodes by 2016, solidifying Strictly as a cornerstone of British light entertainment.[26] Goodman's judging style was characterized by witty, encouraging commentary delivered in his distinctive Cockney accent and slang, which endeared him to viewers and contributed to the program's family-friendly tone.[27] He popularized catchphrases like "pickle my walnuts" and memorable one-liners such as "like butter on a crumpet," often accompanying his verdicts with a theatrical arm sweep that became a signature flourish.[28] This approachable yet authoritative demeanor helped demystify ballroom and Latin dancing, fostering a celebratory atmosphere that emphasized fun alongside competition.[29] Notable moments from Goodman's time on the show included controversial scoring decisions during the 2008 series, where ties between couples in the semi-final and Christmas special required him, as head judge, to unilaterally rank the performers, prompting a revote and public debate over judging transparency.[30] He also offered pivotal feedback to standout celebrities, such as actor Tom Chambers, whom he lauded for his energetic performances en route to winning the 2008 series, and actress Kara Tointon, whose elegant routines earned high praise leading to her 2010 victory. These instances highlighted Goodman's role in mentoring contestants through constructive guidance, enhancing the show's reputation for nurturing amateur talent.[31] In July 2016, Goodman announced his departure from Strictly Come Dancing after the upcoming series, citing a desire to hand over the head judge role to a new voice and spend more time with family in the UK as he approached retirement.[32] His influence endured, as his passion for dance and jovial presence were credited with reviving public interest in ballroom traditions and establishing the show's inclusive, joyful ethos that attracted multigenerational audiences.[33]

Dancing with the Stars

Len Goodman served as the original head judge on the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars from its premiere in June 2005 through the 31st season in 2022, making him one of the longest-serving panelists alongside fellow original judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.[25][34] His tenure spanned 17 years and 30 seasons, during which he provided expert adjudication on ballroom and Latin dance performances, drawing on his background as a former British Latin and ballroom champion.[35] Goodman's judging style on the American adaptation balanced technical precision with accessible, humorous commentary tailored to a broader U.S. audience, often incorporating British wit and catchphrases to lighten critiques while emphasizing dance fundamentals like posture, timing, and frame.[25] He was known for his candid, straightforward feedback—described as "tough but kind"—which helped elevate the show's credibility as a serious dance competition, even as he occasionally clashed with higher-scoring co-judges by awarding more conservative marks to underscore areas for improvement.[34] Notable examples include his praise for underdog contestants, such as Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, the season 6 winner in 2008, whom he lauded for her graceful cha-cha, comparing her movement to "a dolphin glides in the sea."[36] This approach not only encouraged participants but also bridged the gap between professional dance standards and celebrity accessibility, fostering viewer engagement over nearly two decades.[25] Throughout his time on the show, Goodman took occasional leaves for personal and health-related reasons, including an absence during season 21 in 2014 to spend time with family in the UK and much of season 29 in 2019–2020 due to COVID-19 protocols, during which he contributed via pre-recorded video segments.[34] In November 2022, during the season 31 semi-finals, he announced his retirement effective at the end of that season, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and grandchildren in Britain after 17 years of transatlantic travel and live judging at age 78.[34][15] As a judge on both the UK original Strictly Come Dancing and its U.S. counterpart, Goodman played a key role in maintaining format consistency across the international franchise, ensuring shared standards of critique and celebration of dance excellence that helped popularize the format globally.[25] His departure marked the end of an era, with the show honoring his legacy in subsequent seasons through tributes and guest appearances by familiar faces.[35]

Other television appearances

Goodman hosted the BBC One travel documentary series Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman from 2014 to 2016, in which he accompanied celebrities to the locations of their childhood holidays to evoke nostalgic memories.[37] In 2012, he presented the three-part BBC One documentary Titanic with Len Goodman, exploring the enduring impact of the Titanic disaster through personal stories and historical sites, informed by his own pre-dancing career as a welder.[38] In 2011, Goodman featured in an episode of the BBC One genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?, uncovering his family's East End roots, experiences of poverty during the Great Depression, and Polish ancestry tied to historical migrations.[39] He delved into the history of British dance in the 2014 BBC Four three-part series Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance, co-presented with historian Lucy Worsley, tracing social dancing from the 17th century to the early 20th century and its cultural significance.[40] Goodman also fronted the 2013 BBC Four documentary Len Goodman's Dance Band Days, a nostalgic examination of the interwar era's British dance bands, featuring archival footage and interviews with enthusiasts to highlight their role in popular entertainment.[41] In 2017, he hosted the BBC One family game show Partners in Rhyme, where contestants teamed with celebrities for rhyming-based challenges, running for one 12-episode series.[42] Additionally, he appeared as a guest in the 2010 episode of ITV's Piers Morgan's Life Stories dedicated to Bruce Forsyth, sharing anecdotes from his entertainment career.[43] Goodman made recurring guest appearances on talk shows such as BBC One's The Graham Norton Show starting in 2007, where he discussed dance trends and Strictly experiences, and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the mid-2000s onward, often performing light-hearted dance segments.[44] He contributed to the 2006 BBC Two documentary series The Story of Light Entertainment, appearing in episodes on variety acts and double acts to reflect on the evolution of British light entertainment.

Other media work

Radio broadcasting

Goodman's entry into radio broadcasting was facilitated by his rising fame as a television judge on Strictly Come Dancing, providing opportunities to share his passion for music and dance on BBC platforms.[45] In June 2011, he appeared as a guest on BBC Radio 4's long-running programme Desert Island Discs, hosted by Kirsty Young, where he selected eight records reflecting key moments in his life, including tracks from his youth and dancing career, while discussing his East End upbringing and path to professional ballroom dancing.[46] Goodman debuted as a host on BBC Radio 2 with the three-part series Len Goodman's Dancing Years in November 2010, followed by additional holiday specials in 2012, in which he curated classic dance music from the past 50 years—emphasizing foxtrots, waltzes, and Latin rhythms—and interspersed selections with personal anecdotes about competitive dancing and teaching.[47][48] From 2013 to 2018, he regularly deputised for Paul O'Grady on BBC Radio 2's Sunday afternoon music and chat show, airing at 5 p.m., delivering two-hour episodes filled with Big Band era standards from artists like Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra, alongside reflections on his career highlights and light-hearted stories from the dance world.[16][49][50] In early 2016, amid his final season on Strictly Come Dancing, Goodman presented a short eponymous series on BBC Radio 2 in the same Sunday slot, maintaining the format of nostalgic music selections tied to dance themes and casual conversation that highlighted his affable, storytelling style.[51][52] These radio outings were praised for their warm, nostalgic appeal to mature listeners, evoking the glamour of mid-20th-century ballroom culture through Goodman's authentic enthusiasm as a former champion dancer.[16] Goodman's BBC Radio 2 tenure ended with his last sit-in appearances in 2018; he later hosted three special bank holiday programmes on Boom Radio in 2021, featuring similar blends of classic tunes and career reminiscences.[53]

Publications and writing

Len Goodman authored several books that drew on his extensive experience in ballroom dancing, blending personal memoir with explorations of dance history and British culture. His writing often highlighted the transformative power of dance in his own life while offering insights into its techniques and cultural significance. His debut book, Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom, published in 2008 by Ebury Press and co-written with Richard Havers, is an autobiography chronicling Goodman's journey from a working-class childhood in London's East End, through a debilitating foot injury at age 19, to his discovery of ballroom dancing as therapy, his competitive successes, teaching career, and eventual fame as a television judge.[7][54] The narrative emphasizes how dancing not only aided his physical recovery but also shaped his professional path, providing readers with an engaging mix of personal anecdotes and reflections on the discipline's demands.[55] In 2013, Goodman published Len Goodman's Lost London through Trinity Mirror Sport Media, a historical account uncovering overlooked stories and landmarks from London's past, infused with his characteristic wit and local knowledge from growing up in the city.[56] This work extended his storytelling beyond dance, showcasing his interest in cultural heritage. Goodman's final major publication, Len Goodman's Dancing Around Britain (2014, also by Trinity Mirror Sport Media), examines the evolution of dance and music traditions across the United Kingdom, from folk styles to ballroom, drawing on his expertise as a dancer and adjudicator to illustrate regional variations and their historical context.[57] The book includes personal observations that connect these traditions to his teaching experiences, offering readers an accessible guide to Britain's dancing heritage.[58] Throughout his writing, Goodman frequently referenced his background in teaching and choreography, using it to inform practical advice on dance fundamentals embedded in his narratives.[7]

Personal life

Marriages and family

Len Goodman was first married to Cherry Kingston, his former dance partner, from 1972 until their divorce in 1987. The couple had met through their shared profession in ballroom dancing and together opened a dance school in Dartford, Kent, during the early years of their marriage. Their relationship ended amid personal challenges, with Kingston later leaving for a relationship with a French millionaire. Following the separation—though the divorce was not finalized until 1987—Goodman entered a long-term relationship with Lesley, a dance teacher at his school, with whom he had one son, James William Goodman, born on January 26, 1981, in Bethnal Green, London. James, Goodman's only child, pursued a career in dance, becoming a professional Latin and ballroom instructor and coach at the family-run Goodman Dance Academy.[4][59][60] Goodman's second marriage was to Sue Barrett, a fellow dance enthusiast and teacher whom he met in 2002 at a golf club. The couple, who shared a passion for dance and maintained a low-profile relationship for a decade, wed on December 30, 2012, in a private ceremony attended by about 30 close friends and family members in central London. Barrett, 21 years Goodman's junior, became an integral part of his professional life, co-managing the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent. Goodman often described Barrett as his "soulmate" in his autobiography, highlighting their supportive partnership until his death.[61][62] Goodman had no other children beyond James and maintained a close, protective bond with his grandchildren—James's two children, Alice and Jack—prioritizing time with them in his later years, including his decision to retire from Dancing with the Stars in 2022 to return to the UK for family. He frequently emphasized the importance of family privacy in interviews, shielding personal details from public scrutiny while crediting his loved ones for providing emotional support during key career shifts, such as his transition from dancer to television judge. The family resided primarily at their home in Kent, where the dance school operated, supplemented by a London property for urban convenience.[4][63][64]

Health challenges

In 1963, at the age of 19, Goodman sustained a foot injury while playing football, which ended his aspirations in the sport and prompted his doctor to recommend dance as therapeutic exercise to aid recovery and strengthen the affected area.[16] This injury marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to dance, which he credited with not only rehabilitating his mobility but also providing ongoing management for related physical challenges throughout his career.[65] Goodman developed arthritis in his mid-60s due to decades of rigorous ballroom dancing, leading to a partial knee replacement surgery in 2015 to alleviate chronic joint pain and improve function.[66] Post-surgery, he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing using crutches but quickly resumed an active routine, emphasizing that regular movement through dance was essential to maintaining his joint health and preventing further deterioration.[67] In his later years, he managed arthritis-related stiffness with topical treatments and continued low-impact activities like golf and light dancing, often advocating for others with similar conditions to "keep moving" despite discomfort.[68] In March 2009, Goodman was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer during a routine check-up, which he kept private while continuing to judge on Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.[69] He underwent successful surgical removal of the tumor at a London hospital in June 2009, allowing him to return to his professional duties without interruption and confirming a full recovery at the time.[70] In 2020, Goodman had surgery to remove a small melanoma from his forehead, a skin cancer he disclosed publicly to encourage sun safety awareness among fans.[71] The procedure was minor and did not significantly impact his mobility, though he occasionally used a cane in public appearances during his 70s to support overall joint stability amid aging-related wear.[72] Throughout these challenges, his family provided emotional support, reinforcing his determination to stay active.[73]

Death and legacy

Illness and passing

In late 2022, Len Goodman was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer (the spread of his earlier prostate cancer to his bones), a development he kept private while continuing his professional commitments, including appearances related to his television career, into early 2023.[74][25][75] Goodman passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023, at the age of 78, in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, surrounded by his family, following a short battle with the illness.[16][76] His manager, Jackie Gill, issued a statement announcing the news: "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."[16] This marked the culmination of Goodman's health challenges, which had previously included a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009.[25] A private family funeral was held, with further details regarding burial withheld from the public.[77]

Tributes and honors

Following Len Goodman's death in April 2023, the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing paid tribute to him during its 2023 launch show on 16 September, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the judges, and professional dancers sharing memories and clips from his 14 years as head judge.[78] The segment highlighted his warmth, expertise, and iconic phrases, including interviews with colleagues like Anton du Beke, who described him as a mentor and friend.[79] Goodman's legacy extended to inspiring a renewed interest in ballroom dancing among the public, with Strictly Come Dancing credited for a significant increase in dance class enrollments across the UK during his tenure, as audiences were drawn to the accessible and entertaining portrayal of the art form.[33] Posthumously, the show featured a memorial dance in the 2023 series, performed by professionals to honor his contributions, further cementing his influence on popularizing dance participation.[78] Among his honors, Goodman was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to dance.[80] In 2023, the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in his honor.[81] In November 2025, during the show's 20th anniversary special episode, an in memoriam segment honored Goodman alongside other late stars.[82] In August 2024, a public memorial sculpture was announced for Goodman outside his former Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford, Kent, to be created by artist Adrian Riley.[19]

Filmography and awards

Selected film and TV roles

Len Goodman's television career extended beyond his prominent judging roles on dance competitions, encompassing hosting duties and guest appearances that showcased his charismatic personality and expertise in entertainment and travel. His judging position on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 onward served as an entry point to broader TV opportunities, allowing him to leverage his background in ballroom dancing for diverse on-screen contributions.[83] In 2014, Goodman hosted the BBC travel series Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman, which ran for three seasons until 2016. The program featured Goodman accompanying celebrities to the locations of their childhood holidays, blending nostalgic storytelling with light-hearted exploration of British and international destinations. The show highlighted Goodman's affable hosting style and his ability to draw out personal anecdotes from guests, earning praise for its feel-good format.[37][84] Goodman made frequent guest appearances on The One Show, the BBC's flagship magazine program, particularly during the 2010s and into the early 2020s. He often discussed dance trends, shared behind-the-scenes insights from Strictly Come Dancing, and participated in segments on entertainment and lifestyle topics, becoming a familiar and beloved figure on the show.[85][86] On the film front, Goodman had a small acting role in the 2010 short film Love/Loss, where he portrayed a character named Len, reflecting his own persona in a narrative exploring relationships and loss. This appearance marked one of his few forays into scripted cinema, distinct from his documentary and reality TV work.[87]

Notable awards and recognitions

Goodman garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, particularly for his achievements in ballroom dancing and his influential role in television dance programming. In the 1970s, as a professional dancer partnering with Cherry Kingston, he secured several key victories, including the British Professional Rising Stars championship in 1972 and the British Championships at Blackpool, marking the pinnacle of his competitive phase before transitioning to judging and teaching.[88][11] His lifetime contributions to dance were formally recognized with the prestigious Carl Alan Award, presented by the National Dance Council of Great Britain for outstanding service to the field, often regarded as the "Oscars" of the dance world.[35][11] Additionally, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his role in promoting and preserving ballroom traditions.[18] On television, Goodman's judging on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars contributed to the programs' success, with Dancing with the Stars earning Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program in 2006 and 2007, shared among the production team including Goodman as head judge.[89] The shows collectively amassed over a dozen major industry awards, including multiple People's Choice Awards for Favorite Competition Show, underscoring Goodman's impact on popularizing dance entertainment. Strictly Come Dancing also received Royal Television Society Programme Awards, such as in entertainment categories during Goodman's tenure, highlighting the format's innovative appeal.[90] Beyond dance and broadcasting, Goodman was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 New Year Honours for services to dance.[91] Following Goodman's death in 2023, the championship trophy on Dancing with the Stars was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in his honor.[81] These honors reflect his shift from competitive triumphs to broader cultural influence, amassing more than a dozen significant recognitions across his professional endeavors.

References

  1. Len Goodman: Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the ... - BBC
  2. 'Dancing with the Stars' judge Len Goodman dies at 78 - NPR
  3. [PDF] BIOGRAPHY Len Goodman Head Judge, “Dancing with the Stars”
  4. Len Goodman obituary: From the East End to Strictly Come Dancing ...
  5. Strictly Come Dancing - Len Goodman - BBC One
  6. Len Goodman obituary | Strictly Come Dancing - The Guardian
  7. Len Goodman obituary: From the East End to Strictly Come Dancing ...
  8. The remarkable life of Strictly's favourite judge Len Goodman
  9. How a broken foot ended Len Goodman's football days - The Mirror
  10. Strictly's Len Goodman: How breaking my foot playing football got ...
  11. The Inspirational Legacy of Len Goodman - Delta.Dance
  12. Len Goodman, judge on hit shows Strictly Come Dancing and ...
  13. Celebrating Len Goodman - Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
  14. Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars judge dies at 78
  15. Len Goodman, 'Dancing With the Stars' Judge, Dies at 78
  16. Len Goodman: Strictly judge to get public memorial in Dartford - BBC
  17. Goodman Dance Academy
  18. The Goodman Dance Academy - AreYouDancing
  19. Len Goodman Made Ballroom The Real Star Of 'DWTS' - Forbes
  20. Len Goodman's former dance students remember 'encouraging' and ...
  21. The Goodman Dance Academy - Facebook
  22. 'Dancing With the Stars' Judge Len Goodman Dies at 78 - Variety
  23. Len Goodman waltzes away as most successful Strictly Come ...
  24. Len Goodman's Strictly Come Dancing years in memorable quotes ...
  25. Len Goodman's 7 best quotes: the iconic phrases of the ... - AS USA
  26. 'Like butter on a crumpet' – Len Goodman's greatest one-liners on ...
  27. Entertainment | Vote problem on Strictly special - BBC NEWS
  28. Kara Tointon - Strictly Come Dancing - BBC
  29. Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman to quit show - BBC News
  30. Len Goodman: how the late Strictly Come Dancing star revived the ...
  31. Why Len Goodman is retiring from 'Dancing With the Stars'
  32. Len Goodman, long-serving 'Dancing with the Stars' judge, dies at 78
  33. Kristi skates back to the top on 'Dancing' - The Today Show
  34. "Living legend" Len Goodman is leaving "Dancing with the Stars ...
  35. Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman - BBC One
  36. Titanic with Len Goodman - BBC One
  37. Who Do You Think You Are?, Series 8, Len Goodman - BBC
  38. BBC Four - Dancing Cheek to Cheek: An Intimate History of Dance
  39. Len Goodman's Dance Band Days - BBC Four
  40. Len Goodman's Partners in Rhyme - BBC One
  41. "Piers Morgan's Life Stories" Bruce Forsyth (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb
  42. With Len Goodman (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) - IMDb
  43. Len Goodman to step down as Strictly Come Dancing judge after ...
  44. Desert Island Discs, Len Goodman - BBC Radio 4
  45. Strictly's Len Goodman lands Radio 2 series - The Stage
  46. Len Goodman's Dancing Years - Media Centre - BBC
  47. BBC Radio 2 - Paul O'Grady, Len Goodman sits in
  48. BBC Radio 2 - Paul O'Grady, Len Goodman sits in
  49. BBC Radio 2 - Len Goodman, 03/01/2016
  50. https://x.com/BBCRadio2/status/797528175542726659
  51. Chris Tarrant, Len Goodman and Pete Murray for Boom Radio ...
  52. Better Late Than Never - Len Goodman - Google Books
  53. Better Late Than Never - Len Goodman - Penguin Books
  54. Len Goodman's Lost London - Books - Amazon.com
  55. Len Goodman's Dancing Around Britain by Goodman, Len (2014 ...
  56. Len Goodman's Dancing Around Britain - Goodreads
  57. Who is Len Goodman's son James William Goodman? - The US Sun
  58. Len Goodman's Son: All About His Only Child James - Hollywood Life
  59. Len Goodman's love life - two wives, surprise wedding and special ...
  60. Len Goodman revealed fond memories of his beloved wife and ...
  61. Len Goodman's Son James Is Also A Professional Dancer - Nicki Swift
  62. Inside Len Goodman's family life – including two marriages and son
  63. Strictly's Len Goodman shares incredible story about how he ...
  64. Inside Len Goodman's numerous health battles and secret illness he ...
  65. Knee operation gets a ten from Strictly's Len Goodman - Daily Mail
  66. Arthritis: Len Goodman's advice is 'keep dancing' - tips for beginners
  67. Len Goodman Battles Prostate Cancer - Parade
  68. Len Goodman had surgery for prostate cancer discovered during ...
  69. Dancing with the Stars Judge Len Goodman Had Skin Cancer ...
  70. Len Goodman: Details About The Late Dancing With The Stars Judge
  71. Inside Len Goodman's health battles and why he kept illness secret ...
  72. Len Goodman Cause of Death Revealed After DWTS Judge Dies at 78
  73. 'Dancing With the Stars' judge Len Goodman dies at 78 | AP News
  74. // LEN GOODMAN // 1944 – 2023 It is with great sadness to ...
  75. Strictly Come Dancing 2023 couples revealed in launch show ... - BBC
  76. Len Goodman: Tributes pour in for the 'class act' from Strictly ... - BBC
  77. Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has died aged 78
  78. Awards - Strictly Come Dancing (TV Series 2004 - IMDb
  79. Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom: Goodman, Len
  80. Len Goodman(1944-2023) - IMDb
  81. Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman - TV Series - IMDb
  82. The One Show, 24/11/2017 - BBC
  83. Who's on The One Show? Len Goodman joins Alex Jones and ...
  84. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1673419/
  85. How Len Goodman went from East End barrow boy to unlikely ...
  86. Len Goodman - Awards - IMDb
  87. RTS announces winners of the RTS Programme Awards 2025
  88. Len Goodman MBE (@lengoodmanmbe) - Instagram
  89. Dancing with the Stars Judge Len Goodman dies of Bone Cancer at ...
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