It's the end of an era at Strictly Come Dancing as they will be losing a stalwart of the series after this year's show.
Len Goodman is stepping down from his role as judge after twelve years in the job. The 72-year-old plans to call it a day after this year's show, the BBC announced today, with Goodman stating;
"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," he said.
"I'm looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next."
Speaking about his time on the programme, Goodman said: "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."
"It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing."
Charlotte Moore, director of content at the BBC, said: "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."
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off in September with fellow judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood all resuming their roles alongside Goodman, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts.
