It’s now confirmed. Len Goodman will not be returning to Dancing with The Stars this fall. The statement from Executive producer, Rob Wade, confirms the news, Glamour.com:
Len will not be returning as a judge this season on Dancing with the Stars due to his schedule as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK and the birth of his new grandson. He still might be involved in the season at some capacity, but we will have to wait and see. We are planning on having great guest judges for some shows to join Bruno, Carrie Ann and Julianne, and I’m sure we will see Len in the ballroom again soon.
Late last year, Len announced that he’d do the 10th anniversary season in the spring, but would skip the fall season in order to concentrate on the British version, Strictly Come Dancing. For years, he and fellow judge, Bruno Tonioli, flew back and forth between Los Angeles and London to appear live on both shows. Brutal.
“Next year, I’m not going to do the flying backwards and forwards – I’m not going to do the American show,” he told Digital Spy, “I’ve got to have a bit of time off.”
“…I just need a bit of time off to get on with a normal life. And it was either Strictly went or the American one went or the tour went…”
Eventually there was noise that Len was reconsidering, but in the end, he’s decided to take a well deserved break. There have been rumors that pro dancer, Tony Dovolani, among others, would take Len’s place, but as Wade said in his statement, we’ll have guest judges filling up that 4th spot.
Also, the cast of pro dancers were revealed on GMA this morning Click to see who will take the dancefloor when DWTS returns on September 14. The cast of celebrities will be revealed on GMA September 2.
Who would you like to see as judge on Dancing with the Stars?
