Len Goodman

Len Goodman
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Name	Len Goodman
Caption	Goodman in 2011
Birth name	Leonard Gordon Goodman
Birth date	25 April 1944
Birth place	Farnborough, London, England
Death date	22 April 2023
Death place	Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England
Occupation	Ballroom dancer, dance judge, television personality
Spouse	Cherry Kingston (m. 1972; div. 1987), Lesley Goodman (m. 2012)

Len Goodman was a celebrated English ballroom dancer and television personality, best known for his role as the head judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and the American version Dancing with the Stars. His career, which spanned over five decades, began as a professional dancer, winning several major championships before transitioning into a beloved and sometimes stern adjudicator. Goodman's distinctive Cockney accent, direct critiques, and catchphrases like "It's a ten from Len!" made him a household name on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Early life and career

Born in Farnborough, London, he initially trained as an apprentice at Harland and Wolff shipyard before a foot injury led him to take up ballroom dancing as physiotherapy. He quickly excelled, turning professional and forming a successful partnership with dancer Cherry Kingston, whom he later married. Goodman achieved significant competitive success, winning the British Championships in ballroom and later claiming victory at the World Dance Council's British Professional Championships. His deep understanding of dance technique and tradition, honed during this period, formed the foundation for his later judging career, and he became a respected dance teacher and adjudicator at competitions like the Blackpool Dance Festival.

Role on Strictly Come Dancing

Goodman served as the head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from its launch on BBC One in 2004 until 2016. Seated at the center of the panel alongside colleagues like Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, and Arlene Phillips, his authoritative yet avuncular presence became a cornerstone of the show's format. He was known for his emphasis on proper ballroom and Latin dance technique, traditional hold, and precise footwork, often clashing with more contemporary interpretations. His catchphrases and occasional displays of sentimentality, such as awarding a coveted "ten from Len," endeared him to millions of viewers and cemented the show as a flagship of BBC's entertainment schedule.

Role on Dancing with the Stars

From 2005 to 2022, Goodman was a permanent judge on the American television series Dancing with the Stars, appearing on the ABC and later Fox networks. His transatlantic commute made him a unique figure in global television, bringing his particular brand of British critique to American celebrities and professional dancers like Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke. On this panel, which included Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, he was similarly respected for his technical expertise and became known for his succinct verdict of "pickle me walnuts" to express pleasant surprise. His tenure helped solidify the show's success in the United States.

Other television and media work

Beyond his judging roles, Goodman presented several television series that explored his passions for history and dance. These included Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas and Holiday of My Lifetime for the BBC. He also appeared as a guest on popular panel shows such as Would I Lie to You? and authored books on dance. His expertise led to commentary roles for major dance events broadcast on British television, and he was a frequent guest on programs like The One Show, discussing his life and career in the public eye.

Personal life and death

He was married twice, first to his dance partner Cherry Kingston, and later to Lesley Goodman in 2012; he had one son, James Goodman, from his first marriage. A keen fan of Arsenal F.C., he lived for many years in Kent. In 2023, Goodman announced his retirement from Dancing with the Stars to spend more time with his family. He died from bone cancer on 22 April 2023 at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, just three days before his 79th birthday. His death was met with widespread tributes from colleagues across the entertainment and dance worlds, including figures from the BBC, Shirley Ballas, and many professional dancers he had mentored and judged.

Category:English ballroom dancers Category:English television personalities Category:Strictly Come Dancing judges