Departing Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman has described himself as a “lucky, lucky lad” for finding dance and becoming a star on the hit BBC series at the age of 60.
The 72-year-old has also said that he has no idea who will replace him on the panel after he leaves his coveted spot at the end of the current series.
And, he said – in regards the many names bandied about by Strictly fans – the show bosses will wait until next year to decide who it will be. NEXT YEAR, PEOPLE!!!
He told the Sunday People: “The producers told me they have enough on their plates and will not decide until the new year after the series is over.
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“Personally I hope it’s someone from the world of ballroom and Latin rather than someone from stage dancing. But whoever they pick I’m sure it’ll be the right decision.”
The likes of long-running Strictly dancer Anton du Beke and former judge Arlene Phillips are in the running for his seat, but the jury is out until 2017.
Len went on to say that he feels like he is lucky rather than “privileged” for where his life and career has taken him.
“Things can turn on sixpence. I was so lucky finding dancing at 21. If I hadn’t I’d have still been in North Woolwich working on the docks.”
He explained how teachers at his school told him he’d amount to nothing but went on to open his own dance studio and make several TV appearances before landing the Strictly job in 2004.
Of his most famous role, the modest man said: “I’m a lucky, lucky lad.
39 points and three 10s for @LouiseRedknapp @keviclifton!!! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/LVa4mRICBq
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 5, 2016
“I’m so fortunate because of Strictly. I’m not wealthy but I’ve a few bob, enough to pay for lunch for the family.”
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Len will exit Strictly at the end of the current series, and there will no doubt be a national outpouring of grief as he and his famous “seveeeern!” marking call leave for good.
But for now, Len stars in the hit series along with judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli, and presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, until December.