Len Goodman, judge of ‘Dancing With the Stars’, dies at 78

LONDON — Len Goodman, the long-serving gentlemanly judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” has died, his agent said Monday. He was 78 years old.

Agent Jackie Gill said Goodman “passed away peacefully,” having been diagnosed with bone cancer.

A former professional ballroom dancer and British champion, Goodman has been a judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” for 12 years since it was launched on the BBC in 2004. The dance competition, which pairs celebrities with professional dance partners, has become a surprise hit and has become one of the most popular network software.

Goodman served as the chair judge on the American version of the show, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” for 15 years until his retirement in November. For several years it was

Goodman has also presented BBC radio programs and made television documentaries, including a 2012 program about the sinking of the Titanic. As a young man, Goodman worked as a welder in the shipyard for the company that built the ill-fated ship.

BBC managing director Tim Davie said Goodman was “a wonderful, warm entertainer adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like everyone’s family. Lane was at the heart of Strictly’s success. He will be missed by the public and his many friends and family.”

Goodman has also been awarded the Carl Allan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance, and owns the Goodman Academy School of Dance in the south of England.