On Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid and Ed Balls paid homage to Len Goodman after his ‘devastating’ passing.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge died on Saturday night, aged 78, from bone cancer in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Tributes from the entertainment industry have come in for the dancer, including from Claudia Winkleman and Bruno Tonioli, as well as Queen Camilla, who said she was’saddened’ by his passing.
Former Strictly competitors Ed Balls, 56, and Susanna Reid, 52, honoured Goodman on Friday’s Good Morning Britain, calling him their ‘favourite’ Strictly judge.
Susanna performed on the BBC ballroom series in 2011 and was partnered with Kevin Clifton, while the former MP danced on the programme in 2016 and was credited for its most’memorable’ performance to Psy’s Gangnam Style.
Paying tribute to Goodman, Susanna said it was ‘devastating news’ and that she ‘hadn’t realised he was that poorly.’
She added: ‘What a remarkable man.’
Susanna continued: ‘He was very old school but we loved him for it. He was a phenomenal head judge, wasn’t he? He was so reassuring and was so focused on the technical detail.
‘Len was the judge you really wanted to impress and he had this mischevious turn of phrase.’
Ed recalls being ‘always optimistic’ before teaching technique, and he ‘defended’ his Cha Cha Cha.
Ed called him the’most kind and considerate’ judge, and both he and Susanna agreed he was a ‘wonderful man.’
‘He always gave me better marks than anyone else,’ Ed added.
Calling Goodman ‘always charming,’ Susanna said: ‘We love you Len. It’s a devastating loss.’
Anton Du Beke, 56, recalled Goodman on Monday’s The One Show, crying up as he spoke about the late dancer.
Anton described himself as ‘fortunate enough to have known him for a long time’ and ‘happy to call Len a friend.’
‘It is with great regret to report that Len Goodman has gone away peacefully, aged 78,’ Goodman’s representative said in a statement on Monday.
‘A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.’
Good Morning Britain airs from 6am on weekdays on ITV.
Source My Celebrity Life.