‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Len Goodman has announced that he's stepping down from his role on the US version of the show.
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The veteran ballroom dancer has quit as Head Judge on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ to focus on the new series of the BBC show, which kicks off next month.
Len Goodman
Executive producer of ‘DWTS’, Rob Wade, confirmed: "Len will not be returning as a judge this season on Dancing With the Stars due to his schedule as a judge on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in the UK and the birth of his new grandson."
‘Dancing With The Stars’ usually has two seasons a year, with one airing at the same time as ‘Strictly’, and Len and co-judge Bruno Tonioli usually jet back-and-forth from the UK and US each week, in order to do both shows.
However, Len could still make guest appearances on the show, and bosses have confirmed they will not be hiring a replacement to sit alongside Bruno and fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough.
"He still might be involved in the season at some capacity, but we will have to wait and see,” Rob said.
"We are planning on having great guest judges for some shows to join Bruno, Carrie Ann and Julianne, and I'm sure we will see Len in the ballroom again soon."
Len on the 'Dancing With The Stars' panel
The new series of ‘Strictly’ will launch in early September, with Peter Andre, Carol Kirkwood, Kellie Bright, Jeremy Vine, Ainsley Harriott, Georgia May Foote and Katie Derham already confirmed to be taking part.