Len Goodman is leaving Dancing With The Stars after the current season ends (Picture: ABC via Getty Images)
Len Goodman has announced he is retiring from his role as head judge on Dancing With The Stars after 17 years.
The professional dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing head judge, 78, has been with the show since it began in 2005, but has made the decision to step down in order to be able to spend more time with his grandchildren in the UK.
He revealed that this current series of Dancing With The Stars, which will reach its finale next week, will be his last.
Len made the announcement during Monday’s show, telling viewers: ‘Whilst we’re all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it will also be with a touch of sadness, as this will be my last season judging on Dancing With The Stars.
‘I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show. But I have decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.’
He added: ‘I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing With The Stars family, it’s been such a wonderful experience for me and I’m looking forward so much to next week’s finale, I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely brilliant.’
The audience gave Len a standing ovation after his announcement, with host Tyra Banks adding: ‘You’ve inspired generations of dancers around the globe through your passion, through your expertise and your laser-focused eye.
‘They are going to carry on that commitment of excellence forever, thank you so much.’
Len had previously also been head judge on Strictly in the UK from 2004 until 2016, but stepped down from the role at what felt like the ‘right time’ for him.
The head judge was given a standing ovation after announcing the news in the semi-final of the show (Picture: ABC via Getty Images)
He was replaced on the panel by current head judge Shirley Ballas and told the Radio Times in 2020: ‘I do think it was the right time for me to leave because I’d done the show for 12 years and I couldn’t think of what else to say about the Viennese Waltz!
‘I suppose I could have carried on until people wanted rid of me, but I was still quite popular, so that was good.
‘I think Shirley has done a wonderful job, she stayed true to herself and didn’t try to be like me. The show is still great and I think it’s good that there are two men and two women on the panel.’
Len has been a dancer since the age of 19, winning various competitions including the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties, before retiring.
As well as his career in television, Len also owns his own dance school, the Goodman Academy, in Dartford, Kent.
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He has been with the show since the start.
