Much-loved celebrity West Ham fan Len Goodman has sadly passed away as tributes pour in for the star of screen and dancefloor.
It has been a sad time for West Ham of late with the passing of co-owner David Gold and tragically just weeks later his daughter Jacqueline Gold.
Now West Ham have lost another true Hammer after ballroom dancing legend and TV star Len Goodman died aged 78.
The former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing passed away peacefully at a hospice having suffered with bone cancer.
A grade A gentleman, Goodman was the star the BBC One Saturday night show from its inception in 2004, and made his final appearance on the 2016 Christmas Day special.
It was Strictly West Ham for Len
As many supporters will be aware, Goodman was a massive West Ham fan having been born and raised in Bethnal Green.
The national treasure would often make remarks about West Ham in interviews and even on Strictly over the years.
He once appeared on BBC’s Football Focus to talk about his lifelong love of West Ham.
I had the pleasure of meeting Len more than once when he attended games at Upton Park.
And he sat behind me during the 6-0 thrashing of Brighton back in 2012.
As the goals flowed in that game, West Ham fans had chanted “We want” followed by the next number be it four, five and so on.
As the celebrations subsided from scoring our sixth, I couldn’t resist shouting ‘What do we want Len?’ – which I was going to follow up by bellowing out “SEVEN” in his trademark style.
But to my delight Len himself responded – shouting “SEVEN” and it had the crowd around us in stitches while also earning him a round of applause.
Much-loved celebrity West Ham fan Goodman passes away as tributes pour in for star of screen and dancefloor
A lovely man who had time for everyone who wanted to speak to or have pictures with him. Even when he was just trying to relax and watch his beloved West Ham.
That’s my own personal memory. But tributes have been paid all over.
Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan has mentioned Goodman’s passion for the Hammers in his.
“More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 – welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket and West Ham fan,” Morgan posted on Twitter.
“Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke.”
He wasn’t just a Goodman – he was a great man
Perfectly put and I couldn’t agree more.
May he rest in peace.
Let’s hope West Ham can go on and win their first major trophy in 43 years in honour of the likes of Len Goodman, David and Jacqueline Gold and all those connected with the club who have recently passed.
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