Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke paid an emotional tribute to former head judge Len Goodman on The One Show on Monday, April 24 as Alex Jones blinked away her tears. It had been announced earlier in the day that Len had passed away at the age of 78.
At the start of The One Show, Alex and co-presenter Jermaine Jenas spoke to current Strictly judge and former professional dancer Anton who paid a moving tribute to Len. Anton said he did not know Len was unwell before his death from bone cancer and explained how he had known Len for 40 years. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.
He said: "I get emotional now, I've been emotional all day, and I've known him for 40 years as a man and a boy. He was as you saw him on Strictly Come Dancing, he was incredible.... you wanted him to like what you did and that for me remained throughout my whole career."
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While very emotional, Anton finished his touching tribute by saying: "We became great friends... he was funny and brilliant and interesting. He was a joy to be with and that was the thing about Len, he had such joy, he gave off such joy... he was himself and I was lucky enough to know him for a long time and lucky enough to call him my friend so I miss him."
An also emotional Alex shakily replied: "Oh Anton...what a lovely tribute to Len" and told Anton he was like Len now he was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. She said: "When we see you judging on Strictly you really remind me of Len, you really do. So he lives on through Anton."
Tributes have ben pouring in for Len from stars lik Craig Revel Horwood, Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan and more. You can read them here.
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