Ruth shares Eamonn’s last appearance with Len Goodman
The showbiz world is mourning the death of Len Goodman, who sadly died at the age of 78 in a hospice, with the former head judge being surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his death on Saturday.
The news was confirmed on April 24 as celebrities took to social media to pay their respects to the Strictly legend.
Anton Du Beke, 56, admitted he has been left “devastated” over the news of Len’s death as he praised the national treasure in an emotional tribute.
Taking to Instagram, the professional dancer, who replaced Bruno Tonioli on the Strictly judging panel, posted a heartwarming photo alongside Len, adding he will “miss him”.
Anton began: “Forgive my stream of consciousness but I’ve just heard the devastating news that my dear friend of nearly 45 years, Len Goodman, has sadly passed away.
“It’s incredibly difficult to find the words to encapsulate Len, because he was everything but he was also simply, Len.
“I first knew him when I was a young lad and was dancing, he was my dance judge. Len was different to anyone else in the dancing business – he was a wonderful character, he had a roguishness about him – he had twinkle.”
Anton continued: “He had a way about him that you really wanted him to like you. If Len liked you, it was more important than anyone else liking you.
“He was one of the very few people that wherever he went, he was just being Len and everyone knows exactly what that means. He had a bit of magic and that’s what always made him so popular.
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“Spending time with Len was wonderful. We played a lot of golf together – 40 years of playing golf. He was funny and entertaining but he was also considerate, thoughtful and wonderfully interesting.”
The dancer continued: “He led a fascinating life. He was clever, articulate, wonderfully well-read and a great lover of poetry.
“And of course he had incredible appeal – as his massive success in America goes to show. They begged him to carry on and that kind of appeal is so rare.”
Anton signed off: “A national treasure certainly, but more importantly to me he was my friend. I was very lucky to know him. I’m going to miss you, Len. Anton.”
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A post shared by Anton Du Beke (@mrantondubeke)
Len featured on Strictly from its launch in 2004 until 2016 and proved popular with viewers for his wry humour and witty remarks.
As well as Strictly, he also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022.
A statement from his manager, Jackie Gill, on Monday said: “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.”
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