Strictly judge Len Goodman was last pictured hugging his pal Bruno Tonioli in November just months before the sad news of his death broke today.
The seasoned star, 78, flashes a huge grin in the photo Bruno captions the post: Celebrating the one and only ballroom legend Len Goodman you are the best my friend best partner I could have wished for @dancingwiththestars @bbcstrictly what an incredible adventure we sheared happy retirement love always Bruno."
Len later announced in November that he'd quit Dancing With The Stars in the US, where he'd been a judge for 17 years.
His legion of fans were devastated when he announced series 31 would be bringing an end to his stint with the show, but Len told viewers: "Whilst we're all getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it will also be with a touch of sadness as this will be my last season judging on Dancing With the Stars.
"I've been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain."
Len is most famous for being one of the original judges on Strictly , when the sequinned-filled show launched in 2004. He stayed on the programme for 12 years, becoming famous for his "SEVEN!" catchphrase, before hanging up his dancing shoes and being replaced by current head judge Shirley Ballas in 2017.
The English professional dancer quit Strictly after 12 years on the show, but stayed on the US version.
Since retiring from Strictly, Len kept busy and continued to entertain the nation with appearances on Who Do You Think You Are, Desert Island Discs, Holiday of My Lifetime and Len and Ainsley’s big Food Adventure with pal Ainsley Harriott.
Last summer he looked happy and relaxed in a photo taken at the Celebrity Golf Classic at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
Reacting to the news the star had died on Twitter, one fan wrote: "Another great man has gone. Len Goodman, the great dancing man and ex judge of Strictly died in his sleep last night. I hope he finds my mum up there and gives her a dance, she would love that. RIP Sir you were a lovely man."
While a second tweeted: "Len Goodman. What a great dancer and broadcaster. Forever associated with 7. RIP."
Len leaves behind his wife Sue, who he married in 2012 in a surprise ceremony.
The couple invited 30 family and friends to a 'normal Sunday lunch', before revealing Len proposed to the dance teacher who he’d been dating for over a decade.
The much-loved star also leaves behind his son James, from a previous relationship.
