Len Goodman Announces Departure from ‘DWTS’ After Nearly 30 Seasons as a Judge
Photo by ABC/Raymond Liu Reading Time: 2 minutes
In a wild turn of events, Witney Carson wasn’t the only longtime Dancing With the Stars cast member that had announcement tonight. After more than 30 seasons judging the show, Len Goodman has officially announced his departure.
Len Goodman Announces Exit from DWTS on Live TV
Following the first set of dances on the Semi-Final episode of Dancing With the Stars season 31, the microphone was handed to head judge Len Goodman. After Tyra Banks announced that Goodman has seen more than 3,000 routines in the ballroom, the 78 year old shared his sad news.
“Well, whilst we are all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week. It would also be with a touch of sadness, as this will be my last season judging on Dancing With the Stars,” he said. “I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be apart of such a wonderful show.”
The professional dancer continued his statement, saying that he’s “decided to spend more time with his grandchildren and family back in England.” After thanking the fans of the series, Goodman clarified that he will be sitting at the judging panel during next week’s finale.
The crowd gave Goodman a standing ovation after this sad announcement. It’s a bittersweet day for fans of the long running series, since the head judge has been such a big part of its creation and popularity.
Last year of Len?!! Holyyy #DWTS
— riles 🦋 (@Riles31) November 15, 2022
Fan comments have begun to flood the Dancing With the Stars social media. Although Goodman’s shoes will be hard to fill, with the infamous judging panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli will most likely remain on the panel.
A lot of changes have come about since Dancing With the Stars‘s move to Disney+, but I don’t think anyone saw this one coming. How do you feel about Goodman’s departure from Dancing With the Stars? Will you miss him next season? Let us know in the comments below.
