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Len Goodman may have passed away, but “Dancing With The Stars” ensures his stellar legacy lives on.
Goodman joined the dance show in 2005 and had a good run until his retirement in November 2022 to spend more time with his family in Britain. The star finally took his last breath in April this year at 78 after a lifetime of outstanding achievements.
‘DWTS’ Rename Mirror Ball Trophy In Honor Of Len Goodman
Executive producer of “Dancing With the Stars” Conrad Green revealed to USA TODAY yesterday that contestants on the popular dance show will now compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The producer disclosed plans to unveil the new, redesigned trophy on Tuesday’s premiere show, where they’ll pause to pay last respects. He said:
“The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl.”
According to the producer, the show intends to make Goodman an essential and permanent part and “to always remind people the importance” of the late head judge on “DWTS.”
Green continued saying that the remembrance show on Tuesday will be an emotional and moving moment. He added, “Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us.”
Green praised the late Goodman’s sharp eye for detail and incredible knowledge of dance, which added to the credibility and reputation of the famous dancing competition. He said he brought so much respect to the show, and the “dancers always wanted to know what Len thought of their performance.”
Well, the Tuesday tributes won’t be the last, as Green shared that another tribute would be organized for Goodman later this season with a trip through his career development. The show will include video tributes from friends, colleagues, and family and performances from dancers.
He also clarified that the decision to pay homage to his life with the Mirror Ball Trophy and the new cast is “fitting for a season that is a bit of a restart.”
The Ballroom Champion Died After A Protracted Battle With Cancer
Before his painful passing in April this year, the former “Strictly Come Dancing” judge had been battling bone cancer. The former judge had been hospitalized in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, for a terminal illness six months into retirement.
Goodman died at 78, just a few hours shy of 79, surrounded by his family at a hospice in Kent, England. His rep shared:
“I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family. A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”
The longtime judge is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren, and he even predicted his passing weeks after he retired from DWTS. Per The Blast, Goodman referred to a similar pattern between himself and his late father in December 2022, who also coincidentally passed away at 79.
The ballroom champ reportedly said: “My dad had the right idea. He loved gardening, and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79, so if I go the way of my dad, that’ll be next year,”
Since his death, tributes and goodwill messages have poured in from his colleagues, friends, and fans worldwide, and he served as a judge on shows. Craig Revel Horwood wrote:
“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.”
A former judge on ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ Alesha Dixon sent her condolences to Goodman’s family as she described him as a “true gentleman and one of a kind.”
The star continued that Goodman always made her feel welcome and that her time on the show was a wonderful experience. Goodman was earlier diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009 and bounced back after surgery at a London hospital.
