Simply the BEST

TV Times pays tribute to showbiz legends Len Goodman and Barry Humphries

-  REBECCA FLETCHER

With his sparkling personality, twinkly charm and unrivalled expertise, Len Goodman was a true showman whose star shone brightly.

Warm, witty and with a penchant for enthusiastically shouting out his signature score of seven, he became the jewel in the crown of BBC1's Saturday night extravaganza Strictly Come Dancing after he was cast as head judge for the show's launch in 2004, a role he would retain until he bowed out in 2016.

Since the sad news was announced that Len had passed away on 22 April, tributes have been pouring in from the world of showbiz, with respects also paid by the British Royal Family and UK Government.

His fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood summed up the mood of the nation by referring to his gorgeous' dear friend's comical catchphrases: ""It's a 10 from Len," and, "Seveeeeern," will live with me for ever.' Here at TV Times, we were lucky enough to chat to Len many times about his various adventures, and our interviews were always full of laughter.

In 2016, he was thrilled to receive a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Television in our annual TV Times Awards. This is just wonderful,' he beamed. This has come right out of the blue, it is a shock, and makes me feel like a very special boy." Born in Kent on 25 April 1944, Len grew up in London's East End and began his career selling fruit and veg on his grandad's market stall, before training as an apprentice welder, with dreams of becoming a footballer.