Len Goodman, head judge on Dancing with the Stars since its inception back in 2005, will be stepping down from the role. The show has seen 31 seasons in that time, and Goodman has appeared in almost every season, critiquing dancers, offering advice, and praising their performances.
Goodman was also head judge on Britain’s Strictly Come Dancing broadcast on BBC One from 2006 to 2016 as well as working on the American Dancing with the Stars, alongside fellow judge Bruno Tonioli. Goodman started off as a professional ballroom dancer, starting at the relatively old age of 19 after a doctor recommended it as therapy for an injured foot. He retired from dancing in his late twenties after winning the British Championships in Blackpool.
The judge, now 78, made his announcement on Monday’s show saying,
“This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars. I’ve been on 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’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
Speaking to People Magazine about his decision to leave, he also cited the energy required to do a live show was starting to wear on him, and that he’d rather leave on a high.
“Doing a live show you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging. I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so! I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges and the camaraderie with everyone on the show. I’ll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV.”
It was an emotional announcement for him and the other judges, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough all shedding a tear for their beloved leader. It is unsure who will take over the role or whether they will continue with three judges and bring in guest judges as they did with the two seasons Goodman was unable to join due to scheduling and Covid.
The finale of Dancing with the Stars, season 31, will air on Disney Plus on Nov. 21.