Len Goodman has quit 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

The professional ballroom mover has been the show's head judge for 12 years but has now decided it's time to hand over the reins to someone else once the next series wraps up.

He explained: "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."

The 72-year-old legend will continue to sit on the panel alongside Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood throughout the forthcoming series, which will hit screens later this year, but will then wave goodbye to his co-stars, the professionals and the production crew afterwards.

He said: "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."

And, although bosses are devastated to see him go, producers are determined to give Len the best send off by making his final series the "most spectacular" yet.

Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of 'Strictly Come Dancing' said: "Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye to Len, as our way of saying thank you, we are all determined to make this series the most spectacular and most glittery."

Len also sits on the panel for 'Dancing With the Stars' but it's not known whether he's decided to bow out of that too.

Meanwhile, Len's decision to turn his back on the Ballroom and Latin programme won't come as too much of a surprise as he previously said he felt drained working on both shows and was struggling with the 11-hour commute.

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