Strictly Come Dancing fans were left feeling emotional after judge Anton Du Beke paid tribute to former head judge Len Goodman during Saturday night’s live show
A Strictly Come Dancing judge has delivered a touching tribute to a BBC One icon, leaving viewers in tears.
The BBC dancing show returned to our screens last weekend, showcasing 15 brand new celebrity contestants taking their first steps on the dance floor in a bid to capture the nation’s hearts.
Whilst there was no public vote or departures last week, panellists Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke still delivered their marks and feedback, which rolled over into this week’s show.
The programme came back with a bang this week as the pairs graced the stage once again, whilst viewers cast their votes for their favourites.
However, audiences were left reaching for the tissues following Anton’s heartfelt reference to former head judge Len Goodman, reports Wales Online.
During Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington’s breathtaking ballroom performance, Anton remarked, “I know somebody who would have loved your heel turn. Dearly departed Len would have loved that heeled turn.
“I know you’ve been working on the heel turn for hours on a day, and you pulled it off beautifully, so well done.”
The nod to the Strictly icon left fans overwhelmed with emotion. Flocking to X, viewers expressed their feelings as one person posted: “Both #Strictly and #DWTS mentioning Len this week [crying emojis].”
Another commented: “The shout out to Len [sad face].”
A third posted: “LEN MENTION GOODBYE.” A fourth added: “Aw Len mention. Miss him.”
Another reflected: “I will never not hear SEVEN! In Len Goodman’s voice.”
One fan commented: “I love how Anton respectfully nods to Len during ballroom dances.”
In 2023, the Strictly legend Len Goodman sadly passed away at the age of 78. The former head judge, who was a part of the show from its inception in 2004 until 2016, was adored by fans, particularly for his distinctive way of announcing the score of “seven”.
Since there was no public vote last week for the launch show, all scores will be carried forward this weekend, with the first Strictly elimination scheduled to take place on Sunday night.
As the new series kicks off, bookies have been sharing their predictions about who will be the first to leave, and it doesn’t look good for Thomas and Amy.
Betway also believes that YouTuber George Clarke could be the one to lift the Glitterball trophy this year.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Sunday on BBC One.
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