'Dancing With the Stars’ Tribute To Len Goodman Has Pros Reaching For Tissues

During a recent episode of 'Dancing With the Stars,' the crew and cast pulled out all the stops to honour late judge Len Goodman. 

Former professionals Maks Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Tony Dovolani, Anna Trebunskaya, Louis van Amstel and Edyta Sliwinska returned.

The routine performed also featured all the professional dancers from season 32. Current cast members Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson choreographed the number. It was set to Henry Mancini’s 'Moon River.'

Cohost Alfonso Ribeiro introduced the tribute, saying the DWTS family was “shocked and saddened” by the news of his death. “Since Len will always be at the heart of this show, our pros created a special performance in his honor."

Before the group waltz, which saw the women in white gowns, and the men in tuxedos, the performers shared memories they had of Len in a pre-recorded video.

Derek Hough said with tears in his eyes, “One of the things I’m most thankful for [about] being able to judge alongside Len, is I was able to spend a little bit more extra time with him."

Derek and sister, Julianne Hough first met Len when they were children.

“I knew Len from when I was 10 years old, so this show felt like, ‘This is home, this is family,’” Julianne said.

Other DWTS pros looked back on Len's ability to give tough criticism with love.

“You were gonna get the truth from Len Goodman, but he’d do it with his little twinkle,” said Kym Johnson-Herjavec. 

“If you weren’t doing it [right], he’d let you now,” Mark Ballas said.

The waltz concluded with an audio clip of Len himself saying “All good things must come to an end," and afterwards, several performers, including Derek and current pros Daniella Karagach and Emma Slater, were in tears. 

Bruno Tonioli stood up from his seat at the judges table and embraced fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

Len was a judge on DWTS since 2005, and announced his retirement in November last year. He passed away in April this year after a battle with prostate cancer.

Before the premiere of season 32, the show renamed the prize in honour of Len.

"The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on Dancing With the Stars like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl. We wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he’s had to Dancing With the Stars and how much he meant to all of us.”

It was noted the premiere was also dedicated to Len.

"Len loves this show and will always be there, looking down on us."

Cohosts Alfonso and Julianne touched upon his impact during the premiere. 

“Though he is certainly irreplaceable, … we wanted to keep his spirit alive. It’s so fantastic that Len will always be going forward with us.”

“This season is sure to be nostalgic and memorable, especially as we honor and give tribute to the great Len Goodman. He was such a dear friend, and I’m so glad to be able to honor him and keep his spirit alive in the ballroom.”

“He was such an inspiration and will always be the heart of this show.”

For season 32, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, are the judging panel, however it was revealed the show never had plans to replace Len following his retirement.

“I’ve always felt Len is irreplaceable. He’s such an important part of the history of the show and such an important part of the reason the show is successful [with] his honesty, his specialist ballroom knowledge and him coming genuinely from that world. His legacy of what he’s brought to the show is amazing. He’s always been that guy who’s protected ballroom dancing on the show. He will be missed terribly.”

'Dancing With the Stars' airs on Disney+ every Tuesdays.