Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Len Goodman set to leave the show after the new series

The head judge is stepping down after 12 years on the ballroom competition
Last dance: Len Goodman will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 2016
Anthony Harvey/Getty
Ben Travis13 July 2016

Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Len Goodman has announced he will be stepping down from the show following the 2016 series.

The 72 year-old has been a part of Strictly since it hit BBC One in 2004, but will be departing at the end of Series 14.

He 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.

“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.

“It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

While Goodman is leaving Strictly, it is thought that he will be taking a the head judge role on US series Dancing With the Stars in the future.

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Strictly Come Dancing executive producer Louise Rainbow said: “We are absolutely delighted that Tess, Claudia and our judges are all returning for another year.

“Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye to Len, as our way of saying thank you, we are all determined to make this series the most spectacular, most glittery and entertaining yet.”

The next series of Strictly Come Dancing is due to air on BBC One this autumn.

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