‘DWTS’: Len Goodman Makes A Surprising Announcement

Dancing With The Stars, Len Goodman, from Instagram

Len Goodman has been part of Dancing With The Stars since the show first began. He’s been heavily involved in the ballroom dance world for decades. But he’s only getting older and has been through his share of health issues. He even sat out during Dancing With The Stars Season 29 as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the planet.

The head judge will be 79 years old in the spring of 2023. His big announcement during the semifinals didn’t come as a surprise to many, but viewers are still a little sad nevertheless. Keep reading to see what he had to say.

Len Goodman drops a bombshell in the middle of the semifinals

The DWTS semifinals episodes was full of many surprise announcements. After the first dance, Witney Carson revealed that she is expecting her second child.

But the night was definitely bittersweet. Viewers had to say goodbye to two more couples. And on top of that, head judge Len Goodman announced he would be parting ways with the program.

Len Goodman from Dancing With The Stars, Instagram
Len Goodman/Instagram

The ballroom applauded the head judge for his many years of service in the ballroom world. Tyra Banks even announced that many of the pro dancers were judged by Len when they were children. Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, and Val Chmerkovskiy all once competed and performed for Len Goodman when they were younger.

Len Goodman and Shangela from Dancing With The Stars, Instagram
Dancing With The Stars/Instagram

The head judge may make cameos in future seasons. Without a doubt, he will be keeping an eye on the competition — even if it’s from home. But Len Goodman has decided to retire and live out his happy golden years in peace. Fans will miss him, but the ballroom will still be in great hands.

What will the judges’ table look like next year?

Len Goodman has had a great season so far, but hostess Tyra Banks does seem to get under his skin a little bit. The head judge was visibly annoyed with some of her jokes this season.

The show definitely won’t be the same without him, but the show will work just fine with three judges. Former pro dancer Derek Hough stepped up and filled in for Len during his Season 29 absence. It’s entirely likely that the judges’ table will continue with three judges. Either Bruno Tonioli or Carrie Ann Inaba would likely become the head judge next.

However, the show may go another direction and add a fourth judge. Maks Chmerkovskiy and Cheryl Burke have both expressed interest in judging in the past. Only time will tell what the future holds.

Tune into Dancing With The Stars next Monday night at 8 PM eastern time to catch the season finale. There will be a new Mirrorball Trophy winner. But it will also be Len Goodman’s final episode. Tune in and give him the send-off he truly deserves!

Nikole Behrens
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