It has been confirmed that this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing will be Len Goodman’s last.
The head judge will be hanging up his scoring paddles after the next series, following more than a decade on the show.
In a statement, he said: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on.
“This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else.”
It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.
The news was announced at the same time as it was confirmed that all four judges, as well as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, will be returning this year.
It’s official! @TessDaly and @ClaudiaWinkle and our fabulous four judges are back for #Strictly 2016! ? pic.twitter.com/nNFPJEJj17
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) July 13, 2016
Our beloved ballroom bigwig @GrumpyLGoodman has announced this year will be his final series of #Strictly. pic.twitter.com/TcujMr8sDz
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) July 13, 2016
Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing said: “We are absolutely delighted that Tess, Claudia and our judges are all returning for another year. Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye to Len, as our way of saying thank you, we are all determined to make this series the most spectacular, most glittery and entertaining yet.”
Charlotte Moore, director of content at the BBC, added: “I know we are all going to miss him tremendously, but I also know Len’s final series is going to be full of unmissable moments and I hope audiences will give him the special send-off he so deserves.”
It is unclear as to whether or not Len will continue his work on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of the show.
There is already speculation as to who will replace Len, with Anton Du Beke, Arlene Phillips and Karen Hardy among the names being guessed.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will begin later this year. Last year’s series was one of the most-watched, and saw Jay McGuiness win the glitterball trophy, alongside dance partner Aliona Vilani.
Are you sad that this is Len Goodman’s final series? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.