The charismatic judge from "Dancing with the Stars", Len Goodman, passed away at 78.
A statement from his agent says he passed away peacefully on the weekend, surrounded by his family, after battling bone cancer.
The statement says, "A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."
Goodman was a judge on the popular ballroom dancing show" Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022. He retired in November.
Before bringing the competition to North America, he was the head judge on a British version called "Strictly Come Dancing" from 2004-2016.
He would crisscross the Atlantic to host both shows.
The former professional ballroom dancer and British champion also presented BBC radio programs and made TV documentaries.
In an interview with The Associated Press, British broadcaster Esther Rantzen said Goodman had been "astonished and delighted" by his late-life fame.
"One of the reasons he succeeded so well in the States is that he was quintessentially British, "He was firm but fair, funny but a gentleman and I hope the nation will adopt his favourite expostulation of 'pickle me walnuts.'"
feature image from DWTS via Youtube
