Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice shares tribute to "legend" Len Goodman
Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice has paid tribute to the late Len Goodman, deeming the former judge a “legend.”
Goodman, who served as head judge for both Strictly and its American counterpart Dancing with the Stars, passed away on April 22 at the age of 78 after a battle with bone cancer.
Pernice, who debuted on the series in 2015 and won the Glitterball Trophy in 2021, paid an emotional tribute to the former judge in an interview with OK! Magazine, saying: “My memory of Len Goodman is the same one as everybody has, a legend.
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“I was lucky enough to be able to do a couple of seasons when he was a judge and his judgement was always exciting for us,” he continued. “We want to please Len, we always want to please Len and we have to listen because Len obviously, is the legend himself.”
Several Strictly stars paid tribute to Goodman upon his passing last month, with host Claudia Winkleman writing: “I'm so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends. X”
Current judge Craig Revel Horwood posted a photo of the classic line-up with him, Goodman, Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli, writing: “I've just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
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“My heart and love go out to his lovely wife Sue and family. Len 'goody' Goodman is what I called him and 'it's a ten from Len and seveeeeern' will live with me forever. Rest in peace Len,” he added.
Pernice recently fronted a travel show with former Strictly professional and current judge Anton Du Beke, with the pair navigating the island of Sicily.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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