Len Goodman.Photo: Eric McCandless/ABC
Len Goodmanis bidding farewell toDancing with the Stars.
The 78-year-old is officially retiring from his role as head judge on the Disney+ dance competition series, PEOPLE can exclusively confirm. Goodman also shared the news during Monday’s episode ofDWTS, during which he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“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 tells PEOPLE. “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!”
Len Goodman on DWTS.Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty
At the time of the show’s inception, Goodman was working as the head judge onStrictly Come Dancing,a British version ofDWTS. Since that show was already doing well, Goodman remembers thinkingDWTSwould also be a hit, but not everyone was on board with the idea.
Throughout the years, there have been countless memorable moments — but Goodman has a few that stand out among the rest.
“Meeting some of the great artists that have been singing on the show such Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Rod Stewart, Gladys Knight, to name a few… and meeting some of my sporting heroes, who either competed on the show or were watching in the audience, from the world of baseball, football, boxing, skiing, race car driving, and ice skating,” he adds. “I had so much fun recording ‘Dance Center’ for a few years with Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice. It always took twice as long as it should have done to record because we kept laughing so much!”
Len Goodman on DWTS with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.ABC/Eric McCandless
As for which contestants have impressed him most?
But it’s the professional dancers that he believes are “the unsung heroes” of the series. “They have impressed me year in and year out with their hard work and dedication to their craft. How they have managed to pull off taking a non-dancer and turning them into something that is show-worthy is beyond me. They certainly all get a ‘10 from Len!'” he says.
While he’s judged dozens of celebrities across the board, Goodman notes there is one person he wishes he could’ve seen compete on the show: “Simon Cowell because we the judges could have given him a dose of his own medicine! Or Donald Trump, as I would love to see him in Lycra.”
Reflecting on the future of the series, Goodman says he’s unsure who will step into his role — but is confident that only good things are to come.
“[Who takes over as head judge] is not for me to decide, but any of the other current judges would make an excellent head judge and who knows — maybe a 4th judge will be employed to replace me,” he says. “I hope the show goes from strength to strength and that the flexibility of watchingDWTSon Disney+ will enable the show to widen its audience.”
Len Goodman on Dancing with the Stars.Eric McCandless/ABC
Looking ahead, Goodman says he is excited to enjoy some family time and revisit memories fromDWTS’ past.
“Retirement looks like more time to be with family and friends and enjoy the grandchildren whilst they are still young and don’t answer me back!” he jokes. “Over the 31 seasons, there has been some fantastic dancing, and part of my retirement will be to dig out the DVDs that I have been fortunate to receive over the years and relive the memories of the past outstanding performances — the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Ultimately, he’s just grateful for the experience — and wants others to know that, as well.
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Dancing with the Starsairs live on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+.
source: people.com
