'It's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else': Len Goodman set to QUIT Strictly Come Dancing after this year's series
Len Goodman is stepping down from his role as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
The veteran panelist has stunned fans by announcing he's set to leave the BBC ballroom dancing competition at the end of this year.
The 72-year-old star said it was an 'honour' to have been part of the Strictly line up for the last 12 years, but he is now looking forward to the next chapter in his life.
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Stepping down: Len Goodman has revealed he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after this year's series, saying, 'It’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else'
He said in a statement: 'In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than ten years on.
'This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
'It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.'
Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly, said: 'We are absolutely delighted that Tess, Claudia and our judges are all returning for another year.
'Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye to Len, as our way of saying thank you, we are all determined to make this series the most spectacular, most glittery and entertaining yet.'
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 14th series this autumn on BBC One.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3688083/Len-Goodman-set-QUIT-Strictly-Come-Dancing-year.html#ixzz4EHb2COP5
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