Interviewed - Len Goodman

Above: Len Goodman (Kent Life Magazine)

Above: Len Goodman (Kent Life Magazine)

Above: Len Goodman (Kent Life Magazine)

There is no doubt that Strictly Come Dancing is a television phenomenon. Ever since it waltzed onto our screens four years ago, the glitzy, high-energy pro-celebrity dance competition has captured the nation’s imagination, with millions of viewers tuning in on Saturday nights.

Head judge Len Goodman’s comments on the individual couples’ performances are one of the programme’s highlights, adding hugely to the entertainment. But how did someone who spent nearly 40 years teaching hundreds of Kent people to dance become the ultimate ‘stay or go’ decision-maker on one of Britain’s best-loved programmes, and how does he cope with having celebrity status thrust on him?

A new series
Len Goodman’s involvement with Strictly Come Dancing came about through competing on the original Come Dancing series. Having represented Home Counties South, he was subsequently invited to become a judge. When the show was revamped and revived after a gap of more than 10 years, Len was one of more than 40 top dance teachers who were invited to try out for the new series.

“We sat down with a producer and analysed various dancers on video. I was just lucky to be the one who was chosen,” he says modestly.

Today, despite the media hype surrounding Strictly and its USA spin-off, Dancing With the Stars, he remains unfazed about being one of the best-known faces on television; his easy going, friendly manner instantly banishes any thoughts that he might be an untouchable showbiz personality.

“At the end of the day, I’m still a dance teacher from Dartford” he laughs.

To use one of the show’s favourite clichés, Len has been on a long journey to become both a respected teacher and world-renowned competition judge. Born in Farnborough, Kent, he didn’t start dancing until the age of 21. A keen amateur footballer, when he injured his foot a doctor suggested he take up dancing to help him recuperate.

“I joined a local dance school that a friend went to. Ironically, I used to take the mickey out of him for going,” Len admits. Having discovered he enjoyed the new pastime, Len soon entered his first competition. This featured a series of knockout rounds at various Pontins holiday camps.

At the end of the day, I’m still a dance teacher from Dartford

The national finals were held at the Royal Albert Hall and Len, partnered by Cherry Kingston, the dance school owner’s daughter, won.

“It felt absolutely wonderful - Cherry was an excellent partner, and having danced since the age of two she had loads of experience and we gelled as a pairing,” he recalls. Buoyed by this early success, the duo continued together and turned professional in 1968. They went on to represent Great Britain and won the British Professional Rising Star Championship. “That was our biggest win. It was open to all except the top six couples in the world” he says proudly.

Len retired from competitive dancing in 1973 to concentrate on teaching, opening Goodman’s Dance Centre in Dartford. It was immediately successful, partly due to being able to move with the times: “In the late 1970s, it was all John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever, so we taught disco-style dancing in addition to Ballroom and Latin American, and held regular discos – they were really popular” he says.

A social grace
Even though he has taught literally thousands of people over the years, Len still gets particular enjoyment from teaching youngsters. “I’d like to see dance on the national schools curriculum. It’s a social grace, and teaches you poise, balance and good manners. It’s fabulous to see youngsters enjoying dancing, and making progress.”

Currently, his TV commitments take up more than half the year, and he spends several months in the USA, recording Dancing with the Stars. His vast experience of judging competitions right up to World Championship level stands him in good stead for the sometimes difficult decisions he has to make, but there is one deciding factor he can do nothing about: the public vote.

Even his mother, now in her nineties, joins in the fun, as he explains: “She thought I was harsh on one of the celebrities, so she rang up several times and deliberately voted for them to stay in! That’s the beauty of the show - whereas we (the panel) have to judge with our heads, the public judge with their hearts. It makes for a good balance.”

I joined a local dance school that a friend went to. Ironically, I used to take the mickey out of him for going

So, what are the differences between Strictly and a normal dance competition? “With Strictly, you have to judge each couple individually on what you see at that moment. Normally, there are six couples on the dance floor at the same time, so you can make a direct comparison” he explains.

Naturally, some celebrities prove to be better than others: “Someone like Quentin Willson (who appeared in series two) just doesn’t have natural rhythm. But others, particularly Alesha Dixon and Mel B (from Dancing with the Stars) have outstanding talent. They could both become professional dancers.”

Despite the often intense on-screen disagreements between the four judges – Goodman, Craig Revel-Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli – there is no animosity between them. Goodman describes his colleagues as ‘masters of their own particular area of dance,’ who judge according to their strengths.

“I look mainly for correct technique, whereas Craig looks for musicality in the routine. Arlene watches for the couple’s ‘chemistry’, while Bruno judges on passion and feeling”. He is also adamant that the judging ‘balance’ is right. “It would be very different if you had four specialist dancing judges. Having choreographers on the panel makes it much more interesting.”

Looking to the future
Asked about his future plans, Goodman reveals that he has just written his life story. It is entitled Better Late Than Never, because, as he points out, he didn’t start dancing until 21, his son was born when he was 40, and Strictly didn’t come along until he was nearly 60. It covers the many highlights of his career as a dancer, teacher and judge, and will be published at the end of 2008.

Apart from that, he still teaches at the Dance Centre when time permits and, importantly, he will continue to bring his unique brand of advice and encouragement - and occasional gentle cajolement – to the latest groups of nervous novice celebrity dancers. There are plenty of good things still to come from this dance teacher from Dartford.