Derek Hough Reveals What He Knew About Late Len Goodman's Health Struggle

Derek Hough is opening up about the late professional ballroom dancer and his former colleague Len Goodman, and what he knew of his health.

While speaking with Extra, the 38-year-old Dancing With the Stars judge revealed that he and his fellow colleagues weren't fully aware of how sick Goodman was.

“We sensed his fragility, but we had no idea the extent of it. This was a huge shock for all of us,” Hough revealed. “He's a special guy, just a special guy. We definitely lost somebody really special.”

The dancer noted that he plans on honoring his late friend in a big way when he returns to the ballroom for the dance competition show, stating, “I want to do something just to honor him and continue to in the future.”

Earlier in the interview, the dancer reflected on his time spent with Goodman, whom he's known since his childhood.

“He was just pure joy. He really was. I mean, what he represented and what he did for that show, for television, for all of us,” Hough gushed.

He continued: “I lived in London when I was 12 years old. And I remember him MCing a dance competition, so I've known him for so many years and then to be able to work alongside him for over 16 years; just being able to judge alongside him these past couple years, and especially last season, I really remember just savoring every moment with him. And I'm so grateful for that.”

Goodman passed away at age 78 on April 22, 2023, at a hospice in England, surrounded by his family.

“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Goodman’s agent, Jackie Gill, said in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”