Whowas Len GoodmanMarried to? Know About his Wife and Children

Who was Len Goodman?

Leonard Gordon Goodman was an accomplished ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and adjudicator for dance competitions. He was well-known for his role as the head judge on the popular UK television show, Strictly Come Dancing, from its inception in 2004 until 2016, and as a judge on the U.S. show, Dancing with the Stars, from 2005 until 2022. In addition to his television work, Goodman also ran a successful ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent.

Goodman's journey to becoming a professional dancer was unconventional. He began dancing at the age of 19 on the advice of his doctor, who recommended it as therapy for a foot injury. Despite starting late, he quickly excelled and won various competitions, eventually retiring from dancing after winning the British Championships in Blackpool in his late twenties. Goodman was highly respected in the dance community and was recognized for his contributions with the prestigious Carl Alan Award.

Goodman's talents extended beyond dancing, as he was also a television personality. He was part of a show that received Emmy Award nominations in the Outstanding Reality/Competition Program category in 2006 and 2007.

Sadly, Leonard Gordon Goodman passed away from cancer at a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells on April 22, 2023, just three days before his 79th birthday. He will be remembered for his passion for dance, his expertise as a judge and teacher, and his kind and charismatic personality.

Who was Len Goodman Married to?

The late Len Goodman had a beautiful love story with his wife, Sue Barrett. They tied the knot in a secret ceremony when he was 68 years old. The intimate affair was attended by around 30 close friends and family members, including dancer Anton du Beke. Len described his wife as "gorgeous" and "wonderful" and was grateful for the happiness she brought into his life.

Len met Sue at a golf club, and he proposed to her "on a whim." Their surprise wedding took place after Christmas, and Len could not have been happier. He joked that Sue thought he was great in bed because he went straight to sleep and didn't snore or hog the duvet.

Despite his initial reservations about marriage, Len became totally unselfish and devoted to Sue, describing their relationship as "true love." Even though Sue preferred to stay out of the limelight, Len was proud to show her off as his wife.

Their love story was a testament to the fact that it's never too late to find true love, and Len was grateful for every moment he spent with his beloved wife.

Len Goodman Wife

Sue Barrett was not his wife and his first love. Len Goodman, at the age of 25, married his first wife and dancing partner, Cherry Kingston, in 1972 after a two-year courtship. Len had a successful career in dancing, winning various prestigious competitions including the British Championships and the World Exhibition Championships during the 1970s. However, after he retired, the couple's marriage started to falter.

Len admitted that their shared love of dancing was what had kept them together, and when it was over, Cherry began to question their relationship. Their marriage eventually ended after a chance meeting with a wealthy French man named "Michael" in Monte Carlo. Cherry and Michael fell in love, and she asked Len for a divorce. Despite the shock, Len understood and held no bitterness towards his former wife.

He believed that Michael's wealth played a part in Cherry's decision to leave him, but he didn't hold it against her. Len had always thought that he would be the first to leave, so the situation came as a surprise to him. Nevertheless, he moved on and continued to lead a successful life in the world of dance.

Did Len Goodman have Kids?

Len Goodman was survived by his son James William Goodman, whom he had with his long-term partner Lesley. James was born on 26 January 1981 and followed in his father's footsteps by training to be a Latin and ballroom dancer. When he was 12, he moved with his mother to her native Isle of Wight after his parents separated. James currently teaches at his father's dance school, the Goodman Dance Academy.

Len Goodman met Lesley while he was separated from his first wife Cherry, and they began a relationship that lasted until the early 1980s. Lesley was described as the ex-wife of a man named Wilf Pine, who had managed Black Sabbath. Len and Lesley's relationship continued even after Len's divorce from Cherry was finalized in 1987.

It is unclear whether Len had any other children with his ex-wife Cherry Kingston or his late wife Sue Goodman.

Len Goodman Grandchildren

Len Goodman, who was a judge on the hit show Dancing With The Stars for 17 years, has two precious grandchildren that he adores. His eldest grandchild, Alice, was born in 2015, and her little brother Dan arrived in 2019. Len treasures his family and in 2022, he announced that he would be leaving the show to spend more time with his loved ones. As Len puts it, "When you get to a certain age, you realize the most important thing is family." He gushes about his son James, daughter-in-law Sophie, and his "terrific" grandchildren, who he loves spending time with.

Len Goodman Health Problems

Len Goodman, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing star, faced several health issues before he passed away at the age of 78 due to bone cancer. Despite his health struggles, Len remained brave and continued to work on both Strictly and Dancing with the Stars in the US while secretly battling prostate cancer. He underwent surgery in 2009 and received the good news that he wasn't "riddled with it" after doctors assured him. In 2020, he had a mole removed from his forehead, which turned out to be a dangerous melanoma. Len prioritized his fitness and took care of his health by stretching every morning, playing golf, and going to the gym twice a week. However, years of dancing led to arthritis, and he had to undergo partial knee replacement surgery in 2015. Even after the surgery, he refused to take time off and appeared on Strictly with crutches. He also had decompression surgery on his shoulder in 2016, where the bone was shaved due to tears, aches, and pains. Despite his health struggles, Len continued to charm and inspire fans until his final appearance on the 2016 Christmas Day special.

Len Goodman Family

Len Goodman, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing judge, was born in Farnborough, Kent, on April 25th, 1944. As a youngster, Len grew up in Bethnal Green, East London, where his grandfather sold fresh fruit and vegetables as a costermonger. Len was always eager to help his grandad, and he even assisted him in making sure the produce looked its best while being wheeled around in his barrow.

At the age of six, Len moved to Blackfen and attended Westwood Secondary Modern School. During his time at school, Len played cricket and showed his passion for sports. He was a member of the school cricket team and would always give it his all.

Len's humble beginnings and love for his family and sports have inspired many. He has proven that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from.

Who was Len Goodman Married to - FAQs

Len Goodman was a renowned professional ballroom dancer and dance judge. He was best known for being a head judge on the popular TV show "Strictly Come Dancing" in the UK and "Dancing with the Stars" in the US.

Len Goodman passed away on 22 April 2023, at the age of 78.

Yes, Len Goodman had two children, a son named James William Goodman and a son from a previous relationship with Lesley. James is also a Latin and ballroom dancer and teaches at his father's dance academy.

Len Goodman was diagnosed with bone cancer before he passed away. He had also previously dealt with prostate cancer and melanoma.

Len Goodman grew up in Bethnal Green, East London, where his grandfather worked as a costermonger selling fruit and vegetables. Len later moved to Blackfen and attended Westwood Secondary Modern School where he was a member of the cricket team. Before becoming a dance judge, Len had a successful career as a professional ballroom dancer and coach.

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