Strictlys Shirley Ballas reveals special meaning behind outfit in tribute to Len Goodman

Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas revealed the special meaning behind her look for an appearance on ITV's Loose Women.

The 62 year old appeared on the show to pay tribute to her late friend and Strictly head judge predecessor, Len Goodman, on Wednesday.

TV and ballroom legend Len passed away on Saturday 22 April from bone cancer, aged 78, leaving many people devastated.

During Shirley's sit down with the Loose Women panel, she spoke in reverence of her old friend, who she knew since the age of nine.

Shirley sweetly revealed that Len used to affectionately call her 'Twirly Shirley' as she said that she had curled her hair that day in tribute to him.

She said: "He never called me Shirley – he always called me Twirly Shirley or Curly Shirley, and that's why I did my hair extra curly for him today."

Shirley continued: "And I wore my black dress today with all of these little red hearts to represent all of the Strictly dancers and all of the Dancing with the Stars dancers.

"So all of my little hearts are thrown to him today."

In the same interview, she said that people who worked with Len in the industry "kind of knew" that he wasn't well, as he "wasn't looking his best" in recent times.

The star even read out a poem that was penned by Len, which added an extra sentimental value to the show.

Prior to her appearance, Shirley wrote on Twitter: "See you soon ladies. Chatting everything Len Goodman. The dancer, the judge, the teacher, the friend, the poet, the icon. Xxx @loosewomen."

Shirley also paid tribute to Len on Monday after news of his death broke.

Her tweet read: "What extremely sad news this morning. As I came off Good Morning Britain I heard of the passing of my dearest friend Len Goodman. My past teacher, a dance legend and a true gentlemen. He was a shining star in the ballroom that everyone loved."

Len's agent confirmed his death on Monday with a statement which read: “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.”

He would have turned 79 on 25 April.

Len was the former head judge on Strictly from its launch in 2004 until his final appearance on the 2016 Christmas Day special, after which he was replaced as head judge by Shirley.

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