Dancing with the Stars pays tribute to judge Len Goodman in emotional Mirrorball Trophy renaming

Virgin Radio

27 Sep 2023, 10:56

The late, great dancing icon Len Goodman has been remembered sweetly by US show Dancing with the Stars who have renamed the Mirrorball Trophy to The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough revealed that the former head judge - who appeared on the ABC show from 2005-2022 and on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004-2016 - would be honoured by the change in name.

The much-loved TV star, 78, who died in April from bone cancer, will also be remembered with an upcoming dance tribute in the next few weeks.

Hough, 35, said: 'Len was on this panel for nearly all of our 31 seasons and though he is certainly irreplaceable, we wanted to keep his spirit alive. Len will always be going forward with us.'

Ribeiro, 52, added: 'As a tribute to him, we redesigned and renamed our ultimate prize.'

Len passed away in a hospice in Kent surrounded by family. His manager Jackie Gill confirmed the sad news and told fans that he was 'a much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him'.

Conrad Green, executive producer, told USA Today that producers 'wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he's had to Dancing with the Stars and how much he meant to all of us'.

He said: 'Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us.'

Riberio said that 'Goodman's influence would be evident in the first season since his passing, and that there won't be a dry eye in the house' during his dancing tribute.

'I can guarantee you that every one of those pros will be making sure that the routines are still designed for Len,' Riberio told People. 

He added: 'I know I've talked to a few of them and they will be putting in specific steps that Len used to love, just to make sure that the content is still there for Len ... I mean, he was the best.'

The prolific judge retired from DWTS in November 2022 and said: 'It has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show. 

'But I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I could not thank you enough, my Dancing with the Stars family, it's been such a wonderful experience for me.'

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.