The Touching Way 'Dancing with the Stars' Will Honor Len Goodman

Dancing with the Stars head judge Len Goodman announced his retirement from the series at the end of last season in order to spend more time with his family.

Len, who had been head judge since Season 1, only missing out on seasons 21 and 29, said during the Season 31 November finale, "I've been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show, but I've decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing with the Stars family. It's been such a wonderful experience for me."

It wasn’t long after that he died of bone cancer in a hospice in Royal Tunbridge Wells on April 22, 2023, three days before his 79th birthday. He was surrounded by his family.

Now, his DWTS family will be paying tribute to the late judge. The coveted Mirrorball Trophy will be renamed after him. It will now be the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Related: Will Dancing with the Stars Be Postponed Due to the Strikes?

The reveal of the newly designed trophy will take place when Season 32 premieres, which is scheduled to be on Tuesday, Sept. 26 if it isn’t postponed due to the strikes in Hollywood.

"The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on Dancing with the Stars like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl," executive producer Conrad Green told USA Today exclusively. "We wanted to make Len a permanent part of this show, to always remind people the importance he's had to Dancing With the Stars and how much he meant to all of us."

>>> Sign up for Parade's Daily newsletter and get the scoop on the latest TV news and celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox <<<

Another way in which DWTS is honoring Len is keeping his position as head judge vacant. Season 32 will see a return to a three-judge panel: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. All three will be equal. There will not be a head judge.

Related: Get a First Look at the New Dancing with the Stars Hosting Team

"Len always had a twinkle in his eye and a brilliant turn of phrase,” Green also said in announcing the renamed trophy. “He was very fair and knew what he was talking about. The respect he brought made the show stand on its own two feet. The dancers always wanted to know what Len thought of their performance."

Green also said that there will be another tribute later in the season.

Dancing with the Stars is slated to return on its new day—Tuesday, Sept. 26—but at the same time—8 p.m. ET/PT—simulcast on ABC and Disney+. Alfonso Ribeiro will take over as host from the departed Tyra Banks, and Julianne Hough returns to the ballroom, this time, as co-host.

Next, Everything You Need To Know About Dancing with the Stars Season 32 (Including Where It's Airing)