Former Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman has died at the age of 78

(CNN) formerDancing with the stars” Judge Lynn Goodman He died at the age of 78.

His manager confirmed that the English dance expert, who appeared in the ballroom competition from 2005 until last year, died Saturday in a nursing home in Kent, southern England, after a battle with bone cancer.

“His family surrounded him,” Goodman’s principal, Jackie Gill, told CNN in a statement Monday.

Goodman was born in London in 1944. According to his website, he began dancing at the age of 19 and was a professional dancer before venturing into television.

Goodman has served as lead judge on the BBC’s dance series Strictly Come Dancing – the UK version of DWTS – since its debut in 2004, and made his final appearance on the 2016 Christmas Day special. Shirley Ballas stepped into the role after his departure.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie led the honour, remembering Goodman as “a wonderful, warm artist adored by millions”.

Davey added, “He appealed to all ages and felt like a member of everyone’s family. Lane was at the heart of Strictly’s success. He will be missed by the fans and his many friends and family.”

On Twitter, fellow “Dancing With the Stars” judge Bruno Tonioli shared a touching photo of himself and Goodman cuddling, writing: “Breaking Hart my dear friend and partner of 19 years the one and only ballroom legend #LenGoodman passed away I will cherish. Memories of our adventures @bbcstrictlyofficialdwts There won’t be any Someone like you never, always will be a perfect 10”

Away from his television career, Goodman has run a dance school, The Goodman Dance Academy in Kent. He has also written several books, including his 2009 autobiography Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom, Dancing Around Britain and Lost London.