Len Goodman announces his retirement from Dancing with the Stars after 17 years as a judge

Len Goodman has announced his departure Dancing with the stars after 17 years on the jury.

The British professional ballroom dancer and competition judge first joined the body in its inaugural season in 2005 and has served as head judge ever since.

Goodman also sat on the panel of judges for the British original for many years, Be sure to come dancefrom his freshman year in 2004 to 2017.

In Monday evening’s issue (November 14). Dancing with the starsHost Tyra Banks gave the floor to Goodman to give a speech midway through the show.

“While we are all excited and looking forward so much to next week’s finals, there would also be a touch of sadness as this will be my final season Dancing with the stars‘ he began his statement as surprised onlookers gasped in the background.

He continued: “I’ve been with the show since it began in 2005 and it has been a great pleasure to be part of such a wonderful show, but I’ve decided to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in the UK. “

He continued: “I can’t thank you enough, the family of Dancing with the stars. It’s been such a wonderful experience for me and I’m so looking forward to next week’s final, I’m sure it will be absolutely brilliant.”

This current season of the dance program also features actress Selma Blair, who occasionally danced with a cane as MS affected her physical stability. She retired from competition last month.

The remaining celebrity and professional partners set to compete in next week’s finals are: Wayne Brady and Witney Carson, Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas, Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater. Shangela and Gleb Savchenko and Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy.