1944-2023 THE MUCH-LOVED BALLROOM LEGEND LEN GOODMAN DANCING STARS AND ROYALTY PAY TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL TREASURE

The Queen Consort and Strictly Come Dancing stars past and present led tributes to the much-loved TV personality, who had been diagnosed with bone cancer and passed away on 22 April just three days before his 79th birthday - at a hospice in Kent, surrounded by his family

He is survived by wife Sue, son James and grandchildren Alice and Dan.

Having served as head judge on the BBC's hit dance show from 2004 until 2016, Len was known for his sharp wit, dazzling smile and his famous catchphrase "sev-en!" - when dishing out scores for the dancers.

He was a showbiz force to be reckoned with in the UK and in the US, where he appeared on Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Strictly, for 17 years before retiring late last year.

Len's star quality left an impression in royal circles, too, after he took the then Duchess of Cornwall for a spin around the dancefloor at the British Dance Council's 90th anniversary celebrations in London in September 2019.

Camilla is a self-professed Strictly fan, and a statement from Buckingham Palace said: "Her Majesty was saddened to hear the news."

OUTPOURING OF LOVE