Len Goodman's cause of death revealed, 6 months after his passing

On April 22nd, 2023 the world lost a true entertainer when Leonard “Len” Goodman passed away from prostate cancer which had spread to his bones. He died at a hospice in England with his family by his side.

Goodman was born in Bethnal Green, London in 1944. He trained to become a welder but stumbled into the world of dance after his doctor recommended dance as a form of therapy following a foot injury.

Dancing agreed with Goodman and he became a professional ballroom dancer in his early twenties. He went on to win many competitions including the prestigious British Championships before he retired from competition in his late twenties.

Following his success as a professional dancer, Goodman opened the 'Goodman Dance Academy' in Kent, England which still operates today. The school continues to offer lessons in many styles of dance, from Latin to Hip Hop.

In 1972, Goodman married his dancing partner Cherry Kingston. The couple did not have any children and ultimately divorced. He went on to have a relationship with a woman named Lesley with whom he shared a son, James. He was married to his wife, Sue Barrett, from 2016 until his death.

Goodman was a judge on the popular British television show 'Strictly Come Dancing' from 2004 until the show ended in 2016. The show paired professional dancers with celebrities who competed for the winning title.

In 2005, 'Dancing With the Stars' premiered on ABC following the same premise as 'Strictly Come Dancing.' Goodman was a judge on the show until he announced his retirement in 2022.

Years of professional dancing, teaching, and judging made Goodman a justifiably tough critic. He was known for his witty and sarcastic sense of humour and the creative way he spoke about dance.

Goodman made the decision to leave the show to allow him to spend more time with his family in England. On his last show, his fellow judges gifted him with his own mirror ball trophy to honour his contribution to the successful series.

In addition to being a television personality, Goodman also produced several instructional dance videos and authored three autobiographical books.

Camilla was among the many fans who shared their sadness at the news of Goodman’s passing. Camilla and Len shared a dance at a charity event in 2019.

As family, friends, and fans mourn Len Goodman’s passing, his talent, enthusiasm, and passion for dance will endure within those he inspired. His legacy will continue through his son James who teaches dance at the very school Goodman founded.

‘Dancing With the Stars’ season 32 premiered in September 2023. This is the first season without long time head judge, Len Goodman.

The future winners of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ will now receive the ‘Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy’ as a tribute to Goodman who contributed so much to the popular show.

During the September premiere, the co-hosts acknowledged the great loss of Goodman and revealed the new trophy redesigned as a tribute to him. Julianne Hough commented, ‘It’s so fantastic that Len will always be going forward with us.’