But his legacy in Blackpool continued in later life as head judge for Strictly Come Dancing and his annual visits to the resort for the highly-anticipated Tower Ballroom show.
He was very much at the very heart of Strictly’s success but his time in Blackpool didn’t end there. He also headed the TV show Dancing In The Blitz: Blackpool’s Big Band Story with Jools Holland and Lucy Worsley in 2015 and our archives unearthed a superb photo of him riding the Big Dipper with Ainsley Harriott for BBC’s Holiday Of My Lifetime. These pictures are a tribute to an icon of Strictly whose time in Blackpool will be fondly remembered.
1. Len Goodman - in pictures
Judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli filming Strictly in Blackpool Photo: Submit
2. Len Goodman - in pictures
Len Goodman and Ainsley Harriot revisited holiday memories on the Big Dipper for BBC show Holiday Of My Lifetime Photo: submit
3. Len Goodman - in pictures
Len Goodman, pictured with Jools Holland and Lucy Worsley whilst presenting Dancing In The Blitz: Blackpool’s Big Band Story Photo: submit
4. Len Goodman - in pictured
Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman chats to fans outside the Tower Ballroom Photo: Peter Byrne/PA
6. Len Goodman - in pictures
Len Goodman pictured ahead of his family game show Partners in Rhyme Photo: Ian West