Almost overlooked for the job of Strictly judge, Len Goodman ended up being the show’s lifeblood, thrilling audiences with his straight-talking ways – and fabulous footwork
In 2004, as his 60th birthday approached, Len Goodman was preparing to retire from his professional enthusiasm – a ballroom dancing school in Dartford, Kent – to spend more time with private passions: his family, golf.
His one regret was that the BBC was working on a new hoofing show, having axed Come Dancing a decade earlier. Friends and colleagues were being auditioned, but Goodman had not been asked. He admitted in his memoirs to being miffed enough about this omission that he lied to friends about having turned down an offer.
