I worked with late Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman – he showed his true colours on the BBC set both on and off camera

A former Strictly Come Dancing pro has told what it was like working with Len Goodman behind the scenes of the BBC dance competition.

Len, who passed away in 2023 a few days shy of his 79th birthday, became a favorite of fans of the long-running series with his kind constructive criticism and advisory attitude.

The actor, who has been a judge on the series alongside Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli since its debut in 2004, said goodbye to the series in 2016.

But Len left a lasting impression, according to one of his former co-stars.

Speaking about his relationship with Len on and off camera, professional dancer Ian Waite revealed on the BBC show that what viewers saw was exactly how he behaved off-screen too.

Ian, 54, who left Strictly in 2010, told Express Online: ‘He was always very supportive; If I did something wrong he would tell me and call me too.

Ian Waite has revealed what viewers saw on his BBC show – exactly how head judge Len behaves off-screen too

‘If you were too big for your boots he’d know how to get you down, or if you were really struggling he’d give you some words of encouragement.

‘We miss him so much, and I think the show misses him to some extent, too.’

Asked how he felt about new judge Anton Du Beke, who will replace 69-year-old Bruno in 2022, Ian added that he thought the dancer was a ‘great character’.

She said Anton clearly ‘knows what he’s talking about’, prompting the former professional dancer to laugh out loud, adding: ‘He’s funny!’

Ian also confirmed that although he loves the show, he will not be returning to the series as a dancer, perhaps following in Len’s footsteps and taking on a ‘judge role’.

After leaving Strictly’s dancefloor, Ian appeared in spin-off series It Takes Two for a decade between 2011 and 2020.

Much-loved judge Len passed away peacefully in a hospice in Kent, England, in April 2023, following a short illness, just six months before his retirement.

Strictly host Tess Daly gave her former colleague a ‘seven!’ He paid tribute, referencing his catchphrase: ‘You were never a seven to me, Len, you were always a ten.’

Len was part of the original judging cast on Strictly and joined the show in 2004 before bowing out in 2016.

Ian, 54, who left Strictly in 2010, described Len (pictured) as ‘supportive’

Meanwhile, judge Anton Du Beke paid tribute to his ‘dear friend of nearly 45 years’, describing him as a ‘national treasure’.

Bethnal Green-born Len, who grew up in Blackfen, Bexley, was a professional dancer and teacher, as well as a welder and dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.

The 60-year-old, who most people would want to retire from, became a national treasure after auditioning for Strictly Come Dancing.

As well as Strictly, he also appeared on Dancing With the Stars, the US version of the show, from 2005 until November 2022.

In his last television appearance, in November, he announced that he would retire to spend more time with his wife, Sue, and his grandchildren.

Strict judge Craig Revel Horwood described Len Goodman as a ‘fantastic colleague and dear friend’ in his moving tribute.

He wrote: ‘I woke up to the sad news that my wonderful colleague and dear friend Len Goodman had passed away.

‘My heart and love goes out to his lovely Sue and her family. Len Goody Goodman is who I always call him and ‘Number ten from Len & seveeeern’ will live with me forever.’

Presenter Claudia Winkleman said the former judge was ‘full of sparkle, warmth and intelligence’, adding: ‘I’m so sorry for Len. He was a one of a kind, intelligent and kind man. Full of sparkle, warmth and intelligence. I send my love to his family and friends.’

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.