Leonard Gordon Goodman (born 25 April 1944) is an English professional ballroom dancer, dance judge, and coach. He has appeared as head judge on the television dance programmes Strictly Come Dancing, a programme where various celebrities compete for the glitter ball trophy, from its beginning in 2004 until 2016 and Dancing with the Stars from 2005 until 2022. He also runs a ballroom dance school in Dartford, Kent. Early life Goodman was born in London. He moved to Blackfen when he was six years old and later attended Westwood Secondary Modern School, where he was a member of the cricket team. Goodman was one of three children and the only child of the family to stay in the family business, as his other siblings all moved to Newcastle. Career Goodman was as an apprentice welder for Harland and Wolff in Woolwich. He started dancing at the late age of 19, after his doctor recommended it as therapy for a foot injury. Goodman turned professional, won various competitions, and retired from dancing after winning the British Championships at Blackpool in his late twenties. Goodman is a recipient of the Carl Alan Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance and, in 2006 and 2007, a show in which he appeared was nominated for the Emmy Award in the Outstanding Reality/Competition Program category. Strictly Come Dancing Goodman appeared as head judge on the BBC One dance competition Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2016. He appeared on the panel with Arlene Phillips, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel Horwood; Phillips was later replaced by Alesha Dixon and then Darcey Bussell. In July 2016, Goodman announced he would be leaving the show at the end of that year's series. His final appearance was on the Christmas Day Special. On 9 May 2017, it was announced that Shirley Ballas would succeed Goodman as head judge. Dancing with the Stars Goodman has been the sole head judge on Strictly Come Dancing's American adaptation, Dancing with the Stars. He has appeared with fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli since the show's inception, and for five seasons with alternating fourth judges Julianne Hough and Derek Hough. He did not appear as a judge in season 21 and season 29, but presented short segments on dance styles during the latter season. On November 14, 2022, Goodman announced during the season 31 semifinals broadcast that