Len passed away in April at the age of 78 after a secret battle with bone cancer.

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Len had been Head Judge on Strictly from the very first series in 2004 until 2016, when he decided to step down and focus on his role as Head Judge on the US version of the show, Dancing with the Stars.

During tonight’s launch show for Strictly 2023, a beautiful tribute was made to Len, in which hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the judges and professional dancers remembered the Ballroom icon.

As clips of Len’s memorable moments on the show played, his friends and colleagues shared their memories.

Tess said: “Len was a true gentleman, he was just so good natured and just so warm. The Len you saw on TV was the Len you saw in real life, there was no separation.”

Claudia added: “He was perfect in every way, Len could light up a room, so when you were with Len you felt a glow.”

Judge Anton Du Beke said: “He’d lived a life and he brought all that experience to the show.

“Len is someone you want to have as a friend, and I was fortunate to have him as a friend for many years.”

Shirley Ballas – who replaced Len as head judge after he left – said: “He was not only a personal friend to myself but he was loved all over the world.”

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “I don’t think I’ll meet anyone as funny, he was a person who really made people smile.

“I absolutely adored our arguments, and that’s sort of what bonded us and gave us a great friendship.”

The tribute left many Strictly fans watching at home in tears, with one writing on social media: “oh Len [crying emojis] blubbering here.”

Another added: “That made me cry #lengoodmen #Strictly.”

A third tweeted: “Oh that was such a lovely tribute to Len.”

Len’s agent Jackie Gill said in a statement at the time of his death: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.

“A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Len’s death came just months after he stepped down as a judge on Dancing with the Stars in November 2022.

Tonight’s launch show saw the latest batch of celebrities paired up with their professional dance partners.

This year’s cast includes Les Dennis, Bobby Brazier, Zara McDermott and Angela Rippon.

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Strictly airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.