SeVEN-ties SCD judge dances-off

BBC One has announced Strictly Come Dancing‘s head judge Len Goodman will be leaving the popular show after the 2016 series.

Goodman will return for one final series of the BAFTA award-winning dance show in the autumn, alongside fellow judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, and presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. His replacement from 2017 onwards is yet to be announced.

Len Goodman says: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show, and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on. This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else. It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of Content at the BBC, says: “After 12 years, our wonderful Head Judge Len has decided it’s time to hang up his Strictly Come Dancing shoes! I know we are all going to miss him tremendously, but I also know Len’s final series is going to be full of unmissable moments and I hope audiences will give him the special send-off he so deserves.”

Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing, says: “We are absolutely delighted that Tess, Claudia and our judges are all returning for another year. Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye to Len, as our way of saying thank you, we are all determined to make this series the most spectacular, most glittery and entertaining yet.”

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios production and returns for its 14th series this autumn on BBC One.