Len Goodman has announced he will be leaving ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ after its next series. Goodman has served as the show’s head judge for 12 years, even appearing on the US spin-off 'Dancing With The Stars', but the 72-year-old says its now time to hand over to someone else.

Len GoodmanLen Goodman is leaving ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

In a statement Goodman said: "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. I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

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"In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on,” he added. "It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing.”

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ will return in the autumn with Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood joining Goodman on the judging panel. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will also be back as presenters.

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Speaking about Goodman’s time on the series Charlotte Moore, director of content at the BBC, said: "I know we are all going to miss him tremendously, but I also know Len's final series is going to be full of unmissable moments and I hope audiences will give him the special send-off he so deserves.”