Queen Camilla is ‘saddened by the death of Strictly Come to Dancing judge Len Goodman, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The former Strictly judge died aged 78 on Saturday night from bone cancer while being cared for in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent after a short illness.
Camilla is notoriously a huge fan of the Saturday night ballroom contest, even making a video cameo during the 2020 final and ‘votes every week’.
In 2019, Camilla and Goodman stunned onlookers as they took to the dancefloor during a royal engagement at the Victory Services Club.
‘It was my favourite kind of dance. Holding a lovely lady and having a nice little shuffle around,’ Goodman said of his dance partner shortly afterwards.
‘She had great rhythm. It was lovely dancing one on one with her.’
In a speech at the bash, Camilla said: ‘I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this morning. I love dancing. I have a granddaughter who is passionate about it and maybe we will see her on Strictly one day.
‘I have had the pleasure of dancing with Craig [Revel Horwood] and now Len, so I feel very honoured, thank you very much indeed.’
Following the announcement of Goodman’s death, a spokesperson for Queen Camilla said: ‘Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news.’
Goodman’s fellow Strictly co-stars Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli both paid tribute to their ‘great friend’ while the BBC director general Tim Davie added: ‘Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family.
‘Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.’
Strictly presenter Tess Daly said Goodman ‘left an impression on everyone he met’ in response to the news the beloved Strictly judge had died.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: ‘So very sad to hear the news today of the passing of our Len Goodman. A beautiful man, genuine, warm and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met.
‘I’ll never forget the fun we had on set, his love and passion for dancing and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen. You were never a 7 for me, Len you were always a 10. My sincere condolences to Sue and all the family. Rest in peace, Len.’
Goodman’s agent confirmed his death on Monday morning in 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.’
