Len Goodman dead: former Strictly Come Dancing judge dies aged 78 after battle with cancer

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Len Goodman, best known for being the head judge of BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing for 12 years has died aged 78

Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman has died in a hospice from bone cancer. The 78-year-old was surrounded by the family over the weekend, and died in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday night.

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A spokesperson for Mr Goodman said: “I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family.”

Goodman was the former head judge of the BBC One dance competition, and was with the show for 12 years from its launch in 2004 until 2016. He became a hugely popular figure on the show for his iconic announcement for a score of seven.

As well as Strictly, he also appeared on the United States version of the show, Dancing with the Stars for 17 years from 2005 until 2022. The show attracts huge names, with the likes of Kim Kardashian previously taking part.

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He was born in London in 1944 and began his working life as a welder at Harland and Wolff in Woolwich, but wanted to be a footballer. His dancing career began at age 20, after his doctor recommended it to help him recover from a foot injury.

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That recommendation led to a career, after turning professional, he enjoyed a successful competitive dancing career, which included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, The British Exhibition Championships (four times) and the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s.

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