Len Goodman Leaving ‘Dancing With the Stars’ After Season 31
Long time Dancing with the stars Judge Len Goodman shocked viewers during the Season 31 semifinal episode and announced that this will be his final season with the long-running dance competition series.
The 78-year-old has been a fixture on dance reality TV for 18 years, initially with Be sure to come dance in the UK from 2004 to 2016 and then many seasons on dual duty during his career from 2005 to 2022 DWTS.
“It was such a pleasure to be a big part of such a wonderful show,” Goodman said during the episode, noting his desire to spend more time with his grandchildren and family.
“I can’t thank you enough, he DWTS Family. It was such a wonderful experience for me. I’m looking forward to the final next week. I am sure it will be absolutely brilliant.”
It’s hard to imagine the series without Goodman’s critical but kind approach to judging celebs as they do their best to keep up with professional dancers. But like any reality TV competition, the show has to go on. And it will.
That DWTS The official Twitter account tweeted shortly after the announcement, thanking him for his 17 years of service on the show.
Our biggest thanks to Len Goodman for being a part of us #DWTS family for so many years! 💜 We wish him all the best as we celebrate his last season before retirement! pic.twitter.com/ho1z65Dsa8
— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@officialdwts) November 15, 2022
No word on who will replace him, but considering how former pro Derek Hough has joined the panel over the past few seasons, there’s always a chance another pro could make the move.
Catch the season finale and Goodman’s final appearance on the series next Monday, November 21, when the season 31 winner will be crowned. Who do you think will take home the Mirror Ball Trophy?
Dancing with the starsMondays, 8/7c, Disney+
