Len Goodman, who was 78 years old, passed away.He served as a “Dancing With the Stars” judge.

The English dancer passed away on Saturday in a hospice in Kent, southern England. She participated in the ballroom competition from 2005 to 2018. For a long time, he had been suffering from bone cancer.

Jackie Gill, Goodman’s manager, told CNN on Monday that he was surrounded by a large number of family members.

In 1944, he was born in London. He began dancing at the age of 19, according to his website, and was a professional dancer before entering the TV industry.

From the beginning of the show in 2004 until its final episode on Christmas Day 2016, Goodman served as the head judge on the British version of Dancing With the Stars, also known as BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” Rather, after he left, Shirley Ballas took his place.

BBC director-general Tim Davie led the tributes, describing Goodman as a “wonderful, warm entertainer who was loved by millions”.

Davie added, “He made everyone feel like he was a member of their family and was liked by people of all ages.” Strictly’s popularity was largely due to Len. He will be greatly missed by the general public, his numerous friends and family, and himself.

“Hart broken my dear friend and partner for 19 years the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman passed away I will treasure the memories of our adventures @bbcstrictly @officialdwts there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10,” wrote Bruno Tonioli, another judge on “Dancing With The Stars,” alongside a heartwarming photo of him and Goodman holding hands.

Away from television, Goodman operated a dance school in Kent called the Goodman Dance Academy. “Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom,” his autobiography, was published in 2009. In addition, he authored “Lost London” and “Dancing Around Britain.”