Len Goodman didn't want Darcey Bussell to join 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Len Goodman
The ballroom and latin show's head judge was really "worried" when he found out the former ballet dancer was going to be sitting next to him on the tough-talking panel in 2012 because he assumed, judging by her upbringing, she'd be too "posh" for him, but he was pleasantly surprised and will miss her dearly when he walks around from the programme this weekend.
Speaking on 'Good Morning Britain' on Wednesday (14.12.16), he explained: "Darcey, I was so worried when Darcey was going to be one of the judges because I thought she was going to be all posh, la de da and yet she's the most charming, lovely person."
The 72-year-old choreographer has spent the past 12 years on the BBC show but has decided now seems like the right time to turn his back on it because he wants to leave on a high.
He said: "It's the right thing to do because I'd rather leave and people say, 'Oh we're going to miss you Len.' Rather than, 'Thank heavens that old boy is leaving.' I've done 12 years and it's been wonderful."
However, he's convinced he'll be struck down with deep feelings of nostalgia when the programme returns next year with a new judge sitting in his seat.
He said recently: "What I'm gonna miss is turning up at the studio and [having] the expectation of what's going to happen," he said. "[I'll miss] meeting up with the other judges because we get along great. Craig [Revel Horwood], Darcey [Bussell], Bruno [Tonioli] - we have such a laugh... That's what I will miss. As much as I'm sure this is the right time to go, I bet when next year comes around I'll be sitting in doors and thinking, 'I was daft'. It's the right time."
Len may be hanging up his paddle board for good in the UK, but the US will still get to enjoy the loveable judge for at least another year on 'Dancing With the Stars', but he has hinted that he may retire from that show too next year.
He said with a sigh: "You sign an annual contract with the BBC, but in America I have signed a two-year contract."
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