Longtime 'Dancing with the Stars' judge dead at age 78

Longtime "Dancing with the Stars" judge Len Goodman passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.

The man had bone cancer, according to BBC News.

Goodman, who had been a fixture on "Dancing with the Stars" since it started in 2005, announced last year that it was his last season with the program. He explained that he wanted to spend more time with his family in Britain. He described his time on the show as a "wonderful experience."

Tributes for Goodman poured in on social media.

"Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance, and we were lucky to have him as part of our ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family for 31 seasons," the show noted. "He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance. We are devastated by the news of his passing and our hearts are with his family during this very difficult time."

"A Dancer. A teacher. A refined gentleman. A wonderful storyteller. A special soul. A mentor. A family man. And… A treasured friend," fellow DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba wrote on Instagram. "Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart. But today's news has shattered it all over again. I can't believe that you're gone."

"Heart broken by the news of our dear friend and mentor Len Goodman," DWTS judge Derek Hough wrote. "It's a gloomy morning here in Los Angeles which seems fitting after this heart breaking news. But when I think back at the memories we all shared with Len, his sense of humor, his smile and charm everything feels much brighter and full of sunshine."

DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli wrote of Goodman that "there will never be anyone like you you will always be my perfect 10."

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