Len Goodman.Photo: Eric McCandless via Getty Images
“The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted onDancing with the Starslike the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl,” executive producer Conrad Green toldUSA Todayon Wednesday.
Green continued, “We wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he’s had toDancing with the Starsand how much he meant to all of us.”
“Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us,” the executive producer added.
Goodman diedfrom bone cancer while in hospice care in Kent, England on April 22. He was 78.
Len Goodman.Getty Images
In addition to his beloved role onDWTS, the U.K.-born television personality was also a head judge onStrictly Come Dancing, the British version of the dance competition series. The show ran from 2004 until 2016 and Goodman appeared on all seasons.
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Derek Hough, a staple onDWTS, reflected on his mentor’s death during a May episode of theWhine Down with Jana Kramerpodcast. The dancer-turned-judge, 38, opened up about losing someone he’d known since he was 12 years old.
Len Goodman and Derek Hough.Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
“We certainly didn’t know the extent [of his illness] — we had no idea the extent —because this was a huge shock to all of us,” he said after sharing that he did know Goodman was dealing with health issues.
Hough added that there had been “countless tears and phone calls” with others who cared for Goodman following his death, but said they “were [lucky] to spend as much time with him as we did."
Goodmanearned his own Mirrorball trophyduring the season 31 finale.
LEN GOODMAN.Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty
“That is fantastic,” he said after co-hostsTyra BanksandAlfonso Ribeiropresented him with the special award.
“It’s been such a joy for me being a part ofDancing with the Stars. I’ve had such a wonderful time and this is absolutely the cherry on the top,” Goodman added.
DWTSalso played a highlight reel celebrating his 17 years as a judge on the hit series.
In hisUSA Todayinterview, executive producer Conrad Green hinted that theseason 32 premiere ofDWTS, which airs on Sept. 26 on ABC, will be dedicated to Goodman, who had been a judge on the show since its 2005 inception.
source: people.com
