After 12 years of contestants striving for a 10 from Len, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing is quitting.
Len Goodman, a former pro ballroom dancer, has been the show’s head judge since the very beginning in 2004.
The 72 year old said in a statement,  “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 ten years on.
“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.
“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.”
Len will finish out the 2016 series with co-judges Darcey Brussell, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing, heralded a stunning final season to send off Len.
“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, most glittery and entertaining yet.” He said.
He also judges for Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Strictly Come Dancing. It is unknown whether he will continue on that show or not.
He has a grueling 11 hour commute between the two shows. In December, he told the Mirror, “It is exhausting…I tried to not let it make me grumpy, but it’s really tough.”
After 12 years, Len deserves a break!
