'DWTS' Judge Len Goodman Dead At 78: Did He Predict His Own 2023 Death?

English professional ballroom dancer Len Goodman passed away at age 78, just hours before turning 79. He reportedly died after a battle with bone cancer.

Goodman seemingly predicted his death weeks after retiring from "Dancing With The Stars," as he pointed out a similar pattern between himself and his late father, who died at 79.

Tributes from the long-serving "Strictly Come Dancing" judge's colleagues, friends, and fans continue to pour in.

Read on for more details.

The professional dance judge has sadly passed at age 78, after battling with a terminal bone cancer disease, per the Daily Mail.

According to the news outlet, Goodman had been hospitalized in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, following a brief illness just six months into his retirement.

A rep for the former "Dancing with the Stars US" judge told the publication, "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family," adding that he was "a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him."

Goodman was a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance judge, best known for his role as a head judge on the popular British television show "Strictly Come Dancing." He was born on April 25, 1944, in Bethnal Green, London, and had a long and illustrious career in the world of ballroom dancing.

In 2004, he became a judge on "Strictly," which catapulted him to even greater fame.

His knowledge, experience, and no-nonsense judging style made him a fan favorite on the two dancing competition shows he served as a judge on.

According to the Daily Mail, tributes from the "Hollyoaks" alum's colleagues and friends have poured in following his death.

His fellow judge on "Strictly Come Dancing," Craig Revel Horwood, wrote on Twitter, "I've just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him, and "It's a ten from Len & seveeeeern" will live with me forever. RIP Len."

Claudia Winkleman, who is the presenter of the dance show wrote, "I'm so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth, and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends. X."

A former judge on the show, Alesha Dixon, took to her Instagram story to share tributes to Goodman.

"So sad to hear that the wonderful Len has passed away. A true gentleman and one of a kind," she wrote. "He always made me feel so welcome, and we laughed a lot! He made my time on Strictly Come Dancing as a contestant & judge a truly wonderful experience."

She concluded the post with, "Rest in peace, my friend. Sending my love and condolences to his family."

Goodman died just months after retiring from "Dancing with the Stars" to spend more time with his family. The dancer had reportedly predicted that he would pass away in 2023 at the age of 79, just like his late father.

"My dad had the right idea. He loved gardening, and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that'll be next year," he told the Daily Mail in December 2022, following his retirement from "Dancing with the Stars."

Goodman also asked his interviewer to write his obituary. He said, "Just write he was a dance teacher from Dartford who got lucky because that's just about the truth of it."

Fans began wondering whether he already knew his fate due to the state of his health. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2009, which was treated with surgery at a London hospital.

"I don't make a fuss about stuff like that. It's like when you have a car—you keep it serviced, but even so, you'll have some trouble with your carburetor and you'll need to get it fixed, and eventually the whole thing will conk out, and there you go. It's more about the journey, and mine has been lovely," he stated.