Len Goodman, a longtime judge of “Dancing with the Stars,” died after a bone cancer bout at 78 years old. According to a statement from his agent Jackie Gill, Goodman was “a much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.” According to the BBC, Goodman was surrounded by his family at a hospice in Kent, England.

Goodman served as head judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” for 12 years after its launch on the BBC in 2004 but left the show in 2016. As a British champion and former professional ballroom dancer, Goodman started his job on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005. He was beloved and endearing, known for his harsh criticism and cheeky one-liners.

For several years he judged the British and American shows simultaneously every fall, crisscrossing the Atlantic weekly. Goodman also presented BBC radio programs and made TV documentaries, including a 2012 program about the sinking of the Titanic. As a young man, Goodman worked as a shipyard welder for the company that built the doomed ship.

A fellow “Dancing with the Stars” judge, Bruno Tonioli, shared a touching tribute to Goodman on Instagram. He wrote, along with several heart emojis, “Heartbroken, my dear friend and partner for 19 years, the one and only ballroom legend #lengoodman passed away. I will treasure the memory of our incredible adventures and hundreds of shows we did together @bbcstrictly @dancingwiththestars. There will never be anyone like you; we will miss you.”

During season 31 of “Dancing with the Stars,” Goodman announced his retirement from the show to spend more time with his family, with former pro Derek Hough stepping in as his replacement. Goodman told People Magazine about his retirement, “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.” Goodman continued, “I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges and the camaraderie with everyone on the show. I’ll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers, and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV.”

BBC director-general Tim Davie said Goodman was “a wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions. He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family. Len was at the very heart of Strictly’s success. He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”

Goodman also received the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance and owned the Goodman Academy dance school in southern England. The legendary dancer and television personality is survived by his wife, Sue Goodman and his son James William Goodman.