Len: It's my last tango

Judge quitting because of jet-lag (and better pay in America)

ROWS: Judge Len

By Jennifer Wiley, 19/10/2008

STRICTLY judge Len Goodman is planning to quit the UK show so he can continue hot-footing it to America to rake in big bucks on Dancing With The Stars.

Len, 64, judges the UK and US versions of the show, clocking up 110,000 air miles in the 10-week run, and now says: "Jive had enough!"

"The jet-lag takes it toll," Len told the News of the World.

He and fellow judge Bruno Tonioli fly to LA on a Sunday morning to film Dancing With The Stars and are back in London by Thursday.

Then they work two long days on Strictly Come Dancing before jetting back to LA.

"I wasn't going to do it this year - the flying backwards and forwards - but I got talked into it again," said Len. "But this will probably be the last time. I'll have to make the decision - if they ask me - whether to do the British show or American show," said Len.

"My heart wants to do the British show but my head - the money - makes me want to do the American one," added Len, who has been head judge on Strictly for four years.

His decision comes despite this year's £30,000 raise from the Beeb, which took his pay to £90,000 for the series. But it's still not close to the £250,000 he gets from US telly giants ABC. Len is already trying to find his perfect replacement, and hopes it will be someone who sees things his way.

The dad-of-one said: "I'd like them to get someone from my world - the ballroom and Latin American field. I think it's important there's somebody who talks about technique."

Len admits he doesn't always see eye to eye with the other judges. He slammed Bruno, Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood for paying attention to everything but the footwork. He said: "We do have disagreements and some are serious. But once we walk off set, that's it.

"Bruno is always looking at the passion and drama . . . and the buttocks! Craig always talks about the story, Arlene is looking at the musicality and arms and so on. I'm the old fuddy-duddy looking at the footwork."

Len is a big fan of another of the show's oldies-host Bruce Forsyth, and is baffled as to why the showbiz veteran is not yet 'Sir' Brucie.

Len said: "When I look at some other people who have been knighted, I think, 'Bruce has been in showbusiness for 60 or 70 years, I don't understand why he hasn't got a knighthood.'

"Maybe he upset someone in his deep and distant past!"

Your comments

This article has 18 comments

Len thinking of going to the US and resigning from the UK show - Hurrah! My only hope is that he can take the other three judges with him....

By Anne. Posted November 24 2008 at 3:24 PM.

Len should go and leave the british show, john sargent was popular with the public and mr. goodman thinks he owns the show and his word is final, he should realise it is for the public to decide not him.

By Sean. Posted November 19 2008 at 6:10 PM.

strickly is a dance comp. not an comedy show. by voting john in the public are makinga mockery of a very enjoyable show. this is very unfair to the dancers who train and practise so hard. perhaps it should be stressed that the voting is for dancing ability not a favourite person.

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By dianacurtis. Posted November 11 2008 at 1:13 PM.

Sorry to hear Len's going to America, but before he goes could he sort out the stupid voting system where someone with two left feet remains in, John Sargeant, and contestants who can dance are voted out. I know John can't help this but he must feel bad taking the place of a good dancers! Even more ludicrous perhaps John will win!

By Carol Burgess. Posted November 10 2008 at 7:05 PM.

I think old brucie's put this argument to bed - on strictly last week, he commented on the rumours surrounding Len's alleged departure. Len categorically said no, he's not leaving - the rumours are not true, and he'd be back next series! So for now, I'll hang onto that until I hear different!

By Audrey. Posted November 2 2008 at 3:29 PM.

It won't be the same without Len, but how about Darcey Bussell to replace him, she knows her stuff!!

By caroline somerville. Posted November 2 2008 at 7:44 AM.

Len can't go, i love him too much. The four Judges that they have on Strictly now are the perfect mix and if one of them leaves i think the rest will too, When they all start arguing, it's like watching a sketch show, comedy GOLD. The Great British public would miss them severly. (anyway who does a Se-vun! like Len?)

By Amy G.. Posted October 26 2008 at 1:27 PM.

It won't be the same without Len. And also Tess should stay. Don't mind what people say about her. It's the so called clumsyness of Claudia, during Len's weekly masterclass, that irritates me. She's such a lovely lady but she should really do something about the way she walks. Perhaps less higher heels?

By Annemieke. Posted October 26 2008 at 9:02 AM.

Could whoever is responsible teach Tess Daly to interview without waving her hands and arms about like windmills. She is much taller than most of the contestants and professionals and on several occasions has almost swiped them on the head. It cannot be impossible for her to talk with her hands behind her! I have no objection to her regional accent but must she always accentuate the word "Judges" to "Jooodges"?

By Susan B. Posted October 26 2008 at 7:24 AM.

Can he take Bruce with him, about time they pensioned him off on the tv

By wendy payne. Posted October 21 2008 at 12:58 PM.

I'm glad Len chose Dancing...We love him and think his "old-fashioned" balance is just what we need in the good ol' US of A.

By Ann. Posted October 21 2008 at 1:48 AM.

I think Len should stay in Britain and do our Strictly Come Dancing - the American version is too glitzy,OK they pay more money but money isn't everything. Len is the only judge that is completely fair and encouraging to the contestants.

By swilliams. Posted October 20 2008 at 10:30 AM.

Best news I have heard in a while. Can they take Tess with them.

By Casper. Posted October 19 2008 at 5:44 PM.

No-one is indispensable, but Len would definitely be missed here in the UK. He gives good constructive criticism and has a great sense of humour I think there is a great mix with the judges and don't forget no-one will say 'SEVEN' quite like Len.

By Di. Posted October 19 2008 at 3:09 PM.

Len is as popular on this side of the Atlantic as he is in England! I get angry when people make negative comments on other people for going to higher paying jobs. It is what ANYONE would do. When someone is at the top of thier career, and they can earn the big bucks, then why not?

By Linda Jones. Posted October 19 2008 at 1:42 PM.

Bruce has already received an award why does he need another one. Will he remember? Len needs to look after himself in his old age [ moneywise ] but I think I would manage a 10 week stint for all the money he is receiving

By Laura. Posted October 19 2008 at 12:39 PM.

we love len dont go we will miss him and his 7

By patricia. Posted October 19 2008 at 12:30 PM.

It probably will be a good thing for the show, bring on a new judge, someone who isn't always a people pleaser like Len. The uk has been good to Len, earning more than he ever made from his life before strictly, now greed shows he was never the nice guy. He's now more diva than dancer.

By Lisa S. Posted October 19 2008 at 7:10 AM.

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