The dance judge who charmed two countries

Len Goodman relished the unexpected second act of his career in ballroom dance. In 2004, when he was 60, the little-known retired dancer received a tryout invitation from the

BBC to be a judge on a reality show that would pair celebrities with professional dancers. The show, Strictly Come Dancing, became a surprise hit and inspired an American version, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, the following year. Goodman appeared on both, gaining fans with his Cockney-accented charm and witty jabs. To two standout contestants on the U.K. show, he rhapsodized that they “floated across that floor like butter on a crumpet.” To an enthusiastic but less adept couple on the U.S. version, he said, “It’s such a joyful thing to watch—other than your feet.”

Raised in London, Goodman “spent his formative years working at his father’s fruit-and-vegetable stand,” said NPR.org. A foot injury dashed his teenage dream of playing premier-league soccer but inspired a new one when a doctor recommended ballroom dance to help him recover. He spent a decade as a professional dancer, winning several championships with his “partner-turned-wife” Cherry Kingston, whom he later divorced. After his career renaissance, Goodman shuttled between London and Los Angeles each week to appear on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars from 2005 to 2016, when he stepped down from the British show.

When Goodman announced his retirement on an episode last November, “he received a standing ovation from the crowd,” said People. He said he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. “I haven’t fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show,” he said, “so I thought it’s best to go before I start to do so.”