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Image Credit: Ray Tang/Shutterstock
Len Goodman died following a battle with bone cancer at 78 in April 2023. The dancer was world-renowned for his abilities and won numerous competitions in his younger years. In the 2000s, he became a judge on the BBC competition show Strictly Come Dancing, and he then joined Dancing with the Stars in 2005. He was one of the main judges of DWTS from the show’s start until he announced his retirement at the end of season 31. The show will be honoring Len with a special tribute during the October 24 episode. DWTS already renamed the mirrorball trophy to the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in honor of the ballroom icon.
Len’s death in April 2023 was confirmed in a statement obtained by HollywoodLife. “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,” a rep for the dance legend said.
Throughout his life, Len was married twice. His first wife was his dance partner Cherry Kingston from 1972 until their divorce was finalized in 1987. After the split, he was in a long-term relationship with a woman named Lesley, and they had a son named James together. He later remarried Sue Barrett in 2012. Find out everything you need to know about James Goodman here.
James was Len’s only child. He also became a dancer like his father. (Ray Tang/Shutterstock)
Len Welcomed James With Eis Ex Lesley in 1981
After Len’s split from Cherry, he was in a long-term relationship with a woman named Lesley. The pair welcomed James in January 1981. After Len and Lesley split up, she reportedly brought the pair’s son back to her hometown of the Isle of Wight, per GH Gossip.
James Is Also a Dancer
With his father being one of the most beloved dancers of all time, James followed in his dad’s footsteps and became an exceptional dancer himself. James was trained in both Latin and ballroom styles, according to his website. Like his father, he also occasionally worked as a judge in other dance competitions.
James Has Worked as a Dance Instructor
With his skills, James dedicated himself to becoming an instructor in both Latin and ballroom styles of dance at his dad’s Goodman Dance Center. James explained that he felt he was able to teach anyone, even those who may not be inclined to dance the basics of the art form. “James Goodman is a Latin and Ballroom dance teacher, whose aim is to make dance accessible and fun to everyone, even those with two left feet,” his bio on his site said.
James Has Joked About His Father’s Tough Judgments
While Len’s sharp humor was a staple of DWTS, James revealed he was a bit of an easier judge when deciding a charity dance competition in Northhampton, per The Sun. “I am much more generous with my marks than Len,” he promised the competitors.
James Is a Father to 2 Children
Outside of dancing, James is married to his wife, Sophie, and they’re proud parents to two children. They had their daughter Alice in 2015, and they welcomed a son Dan in 2019.
