King of Strictly’s grand finale
Strictly’s head judge bids farewell tonight after a decade of catchphrases and constructive criticism
‘Raising the profile of dance has opened up more opportunities for young and not-soyoung people’
HE HAS become something of a national institution – some would even say treasure – with his weekly appearances on Strictly Come Dancing.
Now his fans are saying it’s time Len Goodman’s contribution to British light entertainment was officially recognised.
As the BBC dance competition prepares for the final of its 14th series tonight, Goodman’s admirers have called for him to be recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
The 72-year-old éminence grise of ballroom dancing, who has served as head judge on the show for more than a decade, will be stepping down after tonight’s finalé.
With his chirpy manner and catchphrases, including “it’s a 10 from Len”, Goodman quickly established himself as one of the show’s favourite faces.
Vince Cable, the former deputy leader of the Lib Dems who appeared in the 2010 Christmas edition, when he won top marks for his foxtrot from Goodman, said: “I think it would be a very deserving award. He has that strong connection with the public like Sir Bruce Forsyth did.”
Mr Cable added: “I know I’m a bit biased because he gave me 10 out of 10, but he’s always struck me as very deepminded and professional with a deep knowledge of the whole show.”
Goodman started dancing at the age of 19, after quitting his apprenticeship as a welder for Harland and Wolff, in Woolwich.
After turning professional, he won numerous competitions, culminating in the British Championships at Blackpool.
He has appeared in the American version of Strictly, Dancing With the Stars, and has presented several other programmes including Dancing Cheek to Cheek, with the histori- an Lucy Worsley. Prof Veronica Lewis, principal of the London Contemporary Dance School, said Goodman would be a deserving recipient of an honour.
“Len has raised the profile of dance in the UK immeasurably. His dedication has seen the art form become the prime time television choice of the nation and the talking point around the office watercooler,” she said.
“Raising the profile of dance has opened up more opportunities for both young and not-so-young people, and has contributed to their improved physical and mental wellbeing, which as a society we all benefit from and should be celebrated.”
Ann Widdecombe, who suffered low marks from Goodman and his fellow judges when she appeared on Strictly in 2010, said Goodman deserved a knighthood for his wider charity work.
Meanwhile, Danny Mac, the favourite to win tonight’s final, has defended himself against accusations that his performing arts background gives him an unfair advantage.