Len Goodman should be remembered on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, says pro dancer Graziano Di Prima.

Strictly Come Dancing should pay tribute to Len Goodman, according to Graziano Di Prima

Strictly Come Dancing should pay tribute to Len Goodman, according to Graziano Di Prima

The 28-year-old star thinks the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition should do “something” to remember the former head judge - who passed away last month aged 78 after a short battle with bone cancer - and he also lamented ‘Strictly: It Takes Two’ host Rylan Clark departing the BBC Two companion show.

He told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: “I really hope something will happen to commemorate Len - I think one of his favourite dances, or something.

“It’s sad about Rylan. We’re very, very good friends. I said to him last year, ‘Why don’t you do 'Strictly' on the line-up? You can dance with me’.

“He was like, ‘Oh, that is the only reason I’d join the show.' "

News of former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ judge Len's death was shared last month “with great sadness” from his wife Sue Barrett and son James.

A spokesperson for Len told BBC News: "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."

Several of Len's other former ‘Strictly’ co-stars also paid tribute to him, including the show’s presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Claudia tweeted: "A kind and brilliant man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending so much love to his family and friends. We love you Len xx. (sic)"

Tess posted: “So very sad to hear the news today of the passing of our Len Goodman.

"A beautiful man, genuine, warm and humble, who left an impression on everyone he met. I’ll never forget the fun we had on set, his love and passion for dancing and that wonderfully cheeky smile lit up the screen.”

In 2012, Len remarked how he would like to be remembered as “genuinely nice” when he is gone.

He told The Guardian newspaper that the problem with death is that "everyone says you were nice".

Len added: "I would like to be thought of as genuinely nice. I would like there to be people who can honestly say: 'Len! Oh yeah, there was more good than bad in him.' "

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