Len Goodman Will Not Be Returning To Judge Dancing With The Stars
According to E Online, Len Goodman is out as a judge. However, Executive Producer Rob Wade said he will be involved in “some capacity”. Here is more….
There will be no 10s from Len this season.
Len Goodman has exited Dancing With the Stars ahead of its 21st season, E! News has confirmed.
“Len will not be returning as a judge this season on Dancing with the Stars due to his schedule as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK and the birth of his new grandson,” showrunner Rob Wade said in a statement of Goodman’s exit. “He still might be involved in the season at some capacity, but we will have to wait and see. ”
While Goodman had announced in December 2014 that he would be leaving his post as the ABC reality hit’s head judge, he appeared to have had a change of heart in January, with Wade telling us that season 20 would not be Goodman’s “last season.”
More at E Online.
I’ll miss Len. Why do we need 4 judges? 3 is more than enough IMO.
As harsh and as unreasonable that Len has been – particularly towards Derek – at times, this news actually makes me quite sad.
He can be cranky at times and you want to throw something at the TV sometimes after he speaks but he really is my favorite judge and I’ll miss him. I do hope he comes back in the Spring. Oh yeah – enjoy that grand-baby Len! 🙂
I know what you mean, Miss Heidi. Len is a legend.
I’ll miss Len too – hope he’s coming back for season 22.
And yes, 3 judges was fine – BUT I wouldn’t want CAI, Bruno and Julianne to be those 3 to be honest.
As annoying as Len’s nitpicking can be – there has to be someone like that. Julianne does have lots of ballroom experience but she isn’t as concentrated on “the rules” as Len and I have a hard time seeing her as “head judge”.
Someone who I would personally LOVE to see as a judge on the show is Allan Tornsberg (I believe Cheryl is a former student of his). He is a former latin champion and has at least one dance studio. I believe he is based in New York these days and has been (or perhaps he still is) an official judge at competions.
In addition to that he has 5 years of experience of being a judge on the Danish version of DWTS. I’ve always found him to be a great judge and fair in his critique of the couples.
For all the eye-rolling I did over the years over double-standards Len had and stupid things he was uptight about – I’m gonna miss the guy. He was the conductor that kept the judging crazy train on the track, and I always felt like he was at the very least trying to give constructive advice on what was needed to improve in the dances (when he wasn’t being used as a puppet by TPTB). He’s got some big shoes to fill – and I guess I just hope it’s not by a never-ending parade of ridiculous guest judges without any dance knowledge whatsoever.
Len was my favorite, even when he was being cranky. He’s looked a little over it the last few seasons and I can’t say that I blame him. The show has evolved into a different sort of show. One that favors flash over substance and mediocrity over excellence.
I’m sure he won’t miss those long flights back and forth and the resulting jet lag.
I think Len has made a very wise choice to stay in the UK and just do Strictly this fall. I used to enjoy him so much, but the last few seasons he became too cranky and didn’t seem very interested in DWTS. Please let this decision clear the way for a full-time real judge with ballroom credentials to take Len’s seas on the panel instead of a series of useless celebrity guest judges.
My appreciation for Len really fell apart after his outburst several seasons ago that Bruno can’t speak while seated because his vocal cords are up his ass. For me that’s way beyond grumpy. I’ve often felt that it was almost more the way he said things than actually what he said. He seemed so utterly disgusted. I did love his dance with Nastia and Derek, and I’m glad that both he and I have the memory of that. Going forward, I’m ready for the peevishness to be dialed back.
I’m all for less judges and more dancing/packages. I know the ladies hear love the packages on the show. Although, I think we’ll probably have 4 judges.
I can’t believe I’m saying this after all the nasty Len things I’ve tweeted about his double standard for Derek but I’m going to miss him. At least he was more of a stickler and purist. He wasn’t always nice, sometimes downright mean, but he brought the “old DWTS” to the ballroom. Not the current pandering (except the Val this is your season.) I’m not keen on 4 judges (too much time wasted) but if there is a fourth I want a real dancer with standards, no favorites and some class (not saying others don’t have class and actually Tony always looks elegant at DWM events.) Class as to overall attitude and demeanor. Class as in respect for pros, celebs and dance in general.
I think that if there are 4 judges, all 4 judges should be able to give their opinion (even if it is ridic) about the performances. I remember over several seasons that they cut someone short due to time just so they could run up stairs and talk to Erin. With half the scores being from judges, it should merit their critiques. Maybe, if they cut it to 3 judges it wouldn’t be an issue. However, I agree with everyone that Len will be missed. Like Tom, he has a sense of stability and seems to not want to go to extremes with the core idea of the show.
I’m going to miss him but I’m really hoping that he comes back for something this season. Guest judge, seat filler, whatever.
as you guys said, as much as Len could be a little harsh at times, he is usually the one to give the best constructive criticism (for the most part). I mean, any of the 3 original judges leaving would be sad but Len, in particular, will be missed.
I also don’t blame him for taking a break from DWTS bc he’s getting older and travelling between here and the UK would be difficult.