Fans 'in tears' after Anton Du Beke shares moving tribute to Len Goodman
Anton paid tribute to his friend
Last updated 25th Apr 2023
Viewers were left in tears after Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke shared an emotional tribute to Len Goodman on The One Show. Former Strictly head judge Len sadly died on Saturday night (22nd April) aged 78 after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
Anton, 56, was in tears as he discussed his late friend on The One Show. He said: "I have known him for 40 years as a man, as a boy. I remember him judging me as a young boy.
"I would value his comments above everyone else because he knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was lucky to have known him for 40 years. He was a great friend."
Anton added: "We would spend hours chatting and laughing, he was a joy to be with. That was the thing about Len, he was a joy to be with and he gave off so much joy.
"I was lucky enough to know him and I miss him."
Viewers took to Twitter to express their emotion after Anton's tribute. One person said: 'A beautiful tribute to Len, I'm crying, I just want to give Anton a hug.'
Someone else wrote: 'Lovely lovely words @TheAntonDuBeke so wanted to hug you through that screen, felt every word. Can't cope with Anton being upset.'
A third fan added: 'What a lovely heartfelt tribute Anton...I'm in tears.'
Len passed away in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Saturday 22nd April, surrounded by his family. He appeared as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2016, as well as appearing on the American version Dancing With The Stars.
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