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Len Goodman to leave Strictly Come Dancing after next series

'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'

Clarisse Loughrey
Wednesday 13 July 2016 11:09 BST
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Len Goodman, head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, will depart the show at the end of this year, the BBC has announced.

Goodman has led the show's panel of expert judges since its inception back in 2004; though Goodman intends only to step down from the show, as opposed to retiring fully. It's expected he will continue as head judge on the show's American compatriot Dancing with the Stars, as well as his Radio 2 show.

"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," Goodman stated.

"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."

"After 12 years, our wonderful Head Judge Len has decided it's time to hang up his Strictly Come Dancing shoes!" said Charlotte Moore, Director of Content at BBC. "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."

"We are absolutely delighted that Tess, Claudia and our judges are all returning for another year," added Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of the show. "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."

Goodman will head up the judging panel one more time alongside Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood; with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning to present the dancing competition.

Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 14th series this autumn on BBC One.

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