BBC schedule shake up as channel pays tribute to late Strictly judge Len Goodman
THE BBC have undergone a schedule shake up so they can pay tribute to the late Strictly judge Len Goodman.
The TV favourite had been in a hospice in Kent before he tragically passed away on Saturday from bone cancer.
Len was a judge on Strictly from its inception in 2004 and was a firm fan favourite thanks to his wry comments.
He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until 2022.
Tonight the BBC will honour Len by rescreening the 2016 documentary about his time on Strictly, after he quit the show.
The hour long film recalls the best moments of his years on the show,.
The TV special also sees Strictly favourites reminiscing about Len’s contribution to the much-loved dancing series.
This schedule shake up means Have I Got A Bit More News For You will air at the later time of 11.40pm.
Today Len’s agent Jackie Gill revealed the sad news that he had passed away.
She said in a statement: “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.”
Len was born in April 1944 in Bromley, Kent, and moved to South East London when he was six.
Aged 19, he turned professional and took part in a string of competitions across the UK.
His awards included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, and The British Exhibition Championships four times.
Len also won the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970s before he retired.
In 2004, he became head judge on Strictly alongside Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.
His cheeky one-liners and banter with the contestants cemented him as a favourite judge on the panel.
In 2016, Len stepped down after an impressive 12 years on the show so that he could enjoy his twilight years.
In an emotional goodbye speech, he said: “I will miss everything about the show I promise you.
“I will miss turning up and the anticipation and what’s going to occur. I’ll miss the three best judges on any types of these shows.
“This whole thing is like a big machine with cogs every cog has to work to make it happen.
“I’m going to miss it all.”
He was later replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.
As well as Strictly, Len appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the US from 2005 until 2022.
Tributes have now flooded in for Len following the heartbreaking news of his death.
Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
“My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family.
“Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and ‘It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern’ will live with me forever. RIP Len”.
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman said: “I’m so sad about Len.
“He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man.
“Full of twinkle, warmth and wit.
“Sending all love to his family and friends. X”.
Bruno Tonioli said he will “treasure” the memories of the “incredible adventures and hundreds of shows” he took part in with fellow judge Len.
In a touching Instagram post, he wrote, “Heart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away
“They [sic] will never be anyone like you. We will miss you”.