Len Goodman’s final Strictly Come Dancing appearance before his health battle and death at 78

LEN Goodman appeared on Strictly Come Dancing for the last time seven years before his death.

Earlier today it was revealed that the professional ballroom dancer died aged 78 after a battle with bone cancer.

The ex-dancer had been in a hospice in Kent before he tragically passed away on Saturday.

Len was head judge on the BBC show from 2004 until 2016 - and Strictly viewers were gutted when he bid farewell to the programme in December seven years ago.

On Saturday 17 December 2016 he hung up his scoring paddles after 12 years on the panel.

He stepped down after an impressive 12 years on the show so that he could enjoy his twilight years, and was later replaced as head judge by Shirley Ballas.

In an emotional goodbye speech, he said: "I will miss everything about the show I promise you.

"I will miss turning up and the anticipation and what's going to occur. I’ll miss the three best judges on any types of these shows.

"This whole thing is like a big machine with cogs every cog has to work to make it happen.

"I’m going to miss it all."

His agent Jackie Gill confirmed his passing in a statement: "It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.

"A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Len was a judge on Strictly from its inception in 2004 and was a firm fan favourite thanks to his wry comments.

He also appeared on the US version of the show, Dancing With the Stars from 2005 until 2022.