24 April 2023 , 13:04
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The Queen Consort is 'saddened' to learn of the death of Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman, Buckingham Palace say.
Camilla - a huge fan of the hit BBC programme - was told of the judge's passing the morning.
Her Majesty shared a dance with Len in September 2019 at London's Victory Services Club in a heartwarming clip that has been unearthed clip following today's announcement.
It shows the then-Duchess of Cornwall taking a twirl with the former head judge, with the pair engaging in conversation and beaming as they took to the dance floor.
The royal later made a special appearance on the Strictly final in 2020.
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The Queen Consort is a huge Strictly fanShe appeared on two pre-recorded video clips where she revealed she had been voting every week.
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In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news."
The showbiz world has paid tributes with many of his co-stars fondly remembering the TV favourite.
Devastated Craig Revel Horwood says he is in mourning for his friend and playfully remembered his catchphrases from the BBC show.
Len Goodman met the then Prince of Wales in 2018 (PA)He tweeted: "I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.
"My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len."
Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said he will “treasure” the memories of the “incredible adventures and hundreds of shows” he took part in with his fellow judge.
Anton Du Beke issued a lengthy statement this afternoon.
Tributes have flooded in to the popular telly judge"Forgive my stream of consciousness but I’ve just heard the devastating news that my dear friend of nearly 45 years, Len Goodman, has sadly passed away.
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"It’s incredibly difficult to find the words to encapsulate Len, because he was everything but he was also simply, Len. I first knew him when I was a young lad and was dancing, he was my dance judge. Len was different to anyone else in the dancing business – he was a wonderful character, he had a roguishness about him - he had twinkle.
"He had a way about him that you really wanted him to like you. If Len liked you, it was more important than anyone else liking you.
"He was one of the very few people that wherever he went, he was just being Len and everyone knows exactly what that means. He had a bit of a magic and that's what always made him so popular.
Queen Camilla shared a dance with former Strictly judge Len in September 2019 (REX/Shutterstock)"Spending time with Len was wonderful. We played a lot of golf together - 40 years of playing golf. He was funny and entertaining but he was also considered and thoughtful and wonderfully interesting. He led a fascinating life. He was clever, articulate, wonderfully well-read and a great lover of poetry.
"And of course he had incredible appeal – as his massive success in America goes to show. They begged him to carry on and that kind of appeal is so rare. A national treasure certainly, but more importantly to me he was my friend. I was very lucky to know him. I’m going to miss you, Len."
A statement from his agent today read: “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.”