Len Goodman Reveals He's Retiring From 'DWTS' After 17 Years As A Judge On The Show

Len Goodmanbowing out after his almost two decades run as a judge on "Dancing With The Stars." The former pro dancer started with the show in 2005 and was a constant for the first 20 seasons. Goodman was on "DWTS" for 31 seasons and only took a break in seasons 21 and 29.

The dance Judge previously revealed that staying on the live show was getting more and more difficult as he advanced in age. During a recent episode of "DWTS," he announced his retirement after the current season and cited the need to stay with his family more.

Read on to learn more.

In a Monday episode of "DWTS," Goodman revealed that he would not return to judge season 32 of the dance competition. He added that staying on the show for the past years has been amazing for him; however, he wants to spend more time with his family.

"Whilst we all are getting excited and looking forward so much to the finale next week, it would also be with a touch of sadness, and this will be my last season judging on 'Dancing with the Stars,'" the former pro dancer said per Page Six. "I've been with the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I've decided I want to spend more time with my children and family."

Goodman thanked the "family of 'Dancing with the Stars'" for the wonderful experience and revealed that he was really looking forward to the finale performance next week. "I'm sure it's going to be absolutely brilliant."

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Although Goodman is known as a tough judge to please, his announcement was met with online and offline applause. During the televised show, the audience gave him a standing ovation, and fans online took to their respective accounts to praise him for his work and wish him the best.

Per Page Six, a tweet by a fan read, "We may not always agree with everything he says, but he is a dancing legend. He helped make the show what it is today, along with Carrie Ann and Bruno. Hats off to Mr. Len Goodman for this amazing legacy on this show. I hope enjoys his retirement."

A second person wrote, "Len Goodman announcing he's leaving dancing with the stars… im not ok." Another tweeted, "Y'all, I'm actually choked up. You're grumpy sometimes, but you're a legend, Len Goodman!"

In an interview with People Magazine, Goodman talked about his challenges on the show, mainly due to his age. He revealed that he was yet to start falling asleep while the show was on; however, it was only a matter of time.

The dance judge said, "Doing a live show, you have to be at the top of your game and quick to react. And as one gets older, then things start to get more challenging. I haven't fallen asleep or started dribbling yet on the show, so I thought it's best to go before I start to do so!"

Despite his decision to go, Goodman admitted that he would miss several aspects of his time on "DWTS," including working with other judges on the show.

"I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges, and the camaraderie with everyone on the show," the former pro dancer said. "I'll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers, and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV."

Goodman is an English professional ballroom dancer who signed on to 'DWTS' in 2005 during the show's first season. Besides him, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli have also been a part of the show as judges for the entire 31 seasons.

When "DWTS" started airing, Goodman was a head judge on the British iteration of the show, "Strictly Come Dancing." The coach revealed that he initially thought the show would be a hit in the U.S; however, he faced some opposition.

"I always had a feeling it would be a hit as whatever was popular in Britain on TV at the time is normally good here, and vice versa, and Strictly Come Dancing was already very big, "Goodman recalled. "However, the majority of Americans were convinced that nobody would be interested in watching ballroom dancing and that it would be a flop. How wrong they were!"

The dance competition became a hit in no time and aired on ABC for 30 seasons. Its latest season, 31, saw the show's transition to Disney+.