Len Goodman Quits Strictly Come Dancing
The 72-year-old says it is time to "hand the role of head judge to someone else" after appearing since the very beginning.
Wednesday 13 July 2016 12:49, UK
Len Goodman has announced he is to step down as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing after leading the panel since the show began 12 years ago.
The next series of the ballroom dancing competition will be the 72-year-old's last, the BBC said.
Goodman will once again be joined by Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, as well as presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
In a statement he said: "In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on?
"This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I've reached my 70s, I've decided after this year it's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
"It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I'm looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next."
Goodman's famous catchphrases include "it's a 10 from Len", "pickle my walnuts" and "se-ven!".
He has also served as a judge on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, but announced he was leaving the US production in 2015 due to his schedule on Strictly and the birth of his grandchild.
Goodman is not retiring and will continue his shows on Radio Two.
The BBC said it was too early to comment on any speculation about who would replace Goodman for the 2017 series.
Strictly Come Dancing had an average audience of 10.2 million for its 2015 series which was won by former boy band star Jay McGuinness.