Monday, December 4, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Judge Len Goodman Announces Retirement

Share:

Dancing With the Stars is saying goodbye to one of their own.

During Monday’s semifinals, Len Goodman announced that he’s officially retiring from his role as head judge on the Disney+ dance competition series.

“I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show,” the 78-year-old shared, receiving a standing ovation from theIn crowd as he made the announcement. “But I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I cannot thank you enough, my Dancing With the Stars family. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me, and I’m looking forward so much to next week’s finale.”

In an interview with People, released shortly after Goodman’s announcement, he shared what he’ll miss most about the show and why he felt now was the perfect time to make his exit.

“Doing a live show, you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging,” he told the outlet. “I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so!”

“I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges and the camaraderie with everyone on the show,” Goodman added. “I’ll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV.”

Goodman came to DWTS after serving as the head judge on the British dance competition series, Strictly Come Dancing. Sitting on the judging panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, Goodman served as a judge for the first 20 seasons before taking a break for season 21. He returned to judge for seasons 22 to 28, before taking a break once more in season 29. He then returned for season 30, staying on board for the show’s relocation from ABC to Disney+.

The panel has most recently seen the addition of Derek Hough and his sister, Julianne Hough, who also served as a judge for several seasons.

Dancing With the Stars’ season 31 finale will stream live Monday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on Disney+.

━ More Like This

Drew Barrymore Says Giving Up Alcohol Freed Her From Torture and Dysfunction

Drew Barrymore opens up about her sobriety in this month's welcome message of her magazine, Drew, saying her separation from alcohol "has been...

‘Dancing With the Stars’ Semifinals: Top 6 Couples Deliver Brilliance Before Double Elimination (Recap)

Dancing With the Stars has brought six couples to the semifinals, and some of the couples are leaving everything on the dance floor in...

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Spotted Arm in Arm After Secret Romance Revealed

Taking it all in stride. T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach are sticking together amid the drama surrounding the revelation of their secret romance. The Good...

King Charles III Celebrates His First Birthday as Monarch With New Photo and Role

In a new photo shared in celebration of Charles' 74th birthday, the new king is seen leaning against an ancient oak tree in the...

‘The Voice’: Camila Cabello and John Legend Offer Advice to Incoming Coaches Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper

The season 22 coaches caught up with us before the first live show on Monday, where they dished on their notes for Niall...