Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly planning to pay tribute to former judge Len Goodman when the show returns.

Goodman, who died in April aged 78 after a battle with cancer, will be honoured as the BBC's dancing show cast share their most treasured memories of the Strictly legend.

The beloved ballroom personality was best known as the head judge on the BBC dancing competition from its launch in 2004 until 2016.

A source told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "Len will be remembered in the launch show by some of the cast, including presenters, judges and pros who will talk about their memories of the beloved head judge."

News and Star: Len Goodman retired from Dancing With The Stars last year. (Guy Levy/BBC/PA)Len Goodman retired from Dancing With The Stars last year. (Guy Levy/BBC/PA) (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

Classic archive clips of Len Goodman to feature in Strictly tribute

“There will be some classic archive clips of Len including the dance that was dedicated to him when he bid the show farewell in 2016," the source added.

The news comes after head judge Shirley Ballas teased that the launch show was a 'must watch'.

Ballas, 62, told fans that this year's cast has "excelled beyond anything" in the early training sessions.

Speaking on Gaydio radio station, she said: "Well, I think that they haven't done ballroom and Latin and I think they're going to be surprised when they suddenly have to dance in close proximity in a ballroom frame, let's say doing the waltz or the Viennese waltz.

"And you've got to get this technique down in a short space of time. We've got some fabulous movers on there who've never taken any dancing.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse are set to return as the show will once again be broadcast from Elstree Film and Television Studios.

"So I think this is a phenomenal class I never do this but I will say this to the LGBTQ community, I am fan-girling I am. The whole cast this year has excelled beyond anything."

The details come as the broadcaster confirms the full 2023 line up which includes the likes of TV legend Les Dennis, Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas, and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott.

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The news of a tribute to Len Goodman will please Strictly pro dancer Graziano Di Prima, who previously suggested the competition should do "something" to remember the former head judge.

Back in May, he told The Sun newspaper: "I really hope something will happen to commemorate Len - I think one of his favourite dances, or something."

Several of Len's other former ‘Strictly’ co-stars also paid tribute to him, including the show’s presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Claudia tweeted: "A kind and brilliant man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending so much love to his family and friends. We love you Len xx. (sic)"

Tess posted: “So very sad to hear the news today of the passing of our Len Goodman.

"A beautiful man, genuine, warm and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met. I’ll never forget the fun we had on set, his love and passion for dancing and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen.”