Former Strictly Come Dancing star Len Goodman has died at the age of 78, his manager confirmed in a statement earlier today.
The TV judge was known for his ‘seven!’ catchphrase throughout his stint on the BBC series from 2004 until 2016.
He would shout the number as he held up his seven paddle on Saturday evenings when scoring contestants on their dance routines, which soon became ‘TV gold’.
On Monday (April 24), a statement from his manager, Jackie Gill, said: "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.
"A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."
"Len was at the very heart of Strictly's success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family."
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) April 24, 2023
BBC Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Len Goodman who has died aged 78.https://t.co/VVFWIoMiTa pic.twitter.com/SSH0RGAfWI
Len leaves behind his wife Sue Barrett who he married in a surprise ceremony back in 2012, The Mirror reported.
The entertainment icon also leaves behind his son James, from a previous relationship with a woman called Lesley.
Who is Len Goodman’s ex-wife Cherry Kingston?
Len Goodman met his first wife Cherry Kingston on dance programs in 1970.
Cherry Kingston was a professional dancer and the pair were originally dance partners who dated for two years before getting married at the age of 28 - Len and Cherry tied the knot in 1972.
Their first competition was a Pontin's sponsored event at the Royal Albert Hall, the BBC reports.
By 1973 the couple decided to drive up and down the country demonstrating the cha-cha-cha and rumba to beginner dance classes.
Len and Cherry also opened their own dance school in Dartford.
The couple won a rising star competition in Blackpool but decided this would be their last time competing together professionally again.
In 1987, Len and Cherry decided to divorce.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here