Len Goodman, Former 'Dancing with the Stars' Head Judge, Dead at 78

 Len Goodman, Former 'Dancing with the Stars' Head Judge, Dead at 78

The former professional ballroom dancer died Saturday following a short illness

Goodman's manager Jackie Gill confirmed the news in a statement released Monday morning. "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78," Gill said in the statement shared with BBC News. "A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Goodman died on Saturday at a hospice in Kent, England, surrounded by his family, according to the BBC. He had bone cancer.

The former professional dancer appeared on DWTS from 2005 until 2022. He was also a head judge on the British version of the show — Strictly Come Dancing — from its launch in 2004 until 2016.

"Len Goodman was a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions," BBC Director-General Tim Davie said in a statement shared on Twitter. "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."