Judge Len Goodman’s retirement announcement came midway through the latest episode on Monday night. DWTS judge Len Goodman’s heartbreaking news came as a shock to the finalists and fans of the show. Expectedly, the announcement led to some sniffles among the pros on the current season. Read on for more details.
DWTS Judge Len Goodman Is Retiring To Spend Time With Family
The head judge declared Monday night that he wants to spend more time with his family and children, hence, the goodbyes. Additionally, Len announced that the finals, which would be held next week, would be his last as a judge on DWTS.
Len has been a judge on the show since it started in 2005. The dance coach noted that it’s been “a huge pleasure” to have judged the competition series throughout those years. He added that he looked forward to the finals next week and was sure it would be absolutely brilliant.
DWTS Pros Are Sad To See Him Go
Reactions of the finalists to the head judge’s retirement were expectedly somber. Pro dancer Emma Slater confessed that the news caught her off guard and made her emotional.
After being disqualified, the UK native told Page Six that she met him when she was ten years old. “He judged competitions [in England], and he would always want me to win,” she continued.
Gleb Savchenko also responded in pretty much the same way. He called Len a legend and admitted that competing without his feedback would be too sad. According to him, Len is “the heart” of the ballroom.
The ballroom dancer confessed that Len’s critique and points made them better dancers because he represents ballroom dancing.
Two-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy echoed similar sentiments. He said he was “genuinely sad” over Judge Len Goodman’s retirement.
DWTS judge Len Goodman had a great time judging the show and meeting superb dancers every season. Understandably, his retirement news would shake many, but as he rightly stated, he now needs to spend time with his family.
