Monday night’s live episode of “Dancing With The Stars” was an emotional one. Not only were two stars eliminated in the semi-final round, but head judge Len Goodman also made a stunning announcement to the crowd. The longtime dancer and judge revealed to fans in the ballroom and watching the live stream on Disney+ that Season 31 would be his last. Goodman revealed that although he had been with the show since it’s debut in 2005, he wanted to spend more time with his family, namely his grandchildren, back in the United Kingdom.
Of course, Goodman got a huge standing ovation from the crowd, his fellow judges, and the professional dancers as well. The ballroom dancing icon has definitely influenced the careers of many around the world, including some of the “Dancing With The Stars” pros and judges. Goodman gave a heartfelt statement about his retirement from the show, and then hugged his fellow judges and waved to the cheering crowd.
“I will miss the California sunshine, working with my fellow judges and the camaraderie with everyone on the show,” Goodman told People Magazine of his exit. “I’ll miss seeing the celebrities developing into dancers and I will miss being part of one of the most successful shows on TV.”
Len Goodman is leaving Dancing With The Stars to spend more time with his family
Now that fans know that Goodman won’t be returning as a judge for Season 32 of the show, there is one big question on everyone’s minds. Who will replace Len Goodman on “Dancing With The Stars?” Although no plans to replace the head judge of been made public as of yet, there are many options to help coach future “DWTS” winners.
The show may decide to go back to a three-judge format and not replace Goodman at all. This would leave current judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli sitting on the panel during show nights. However, the reality dancing competition may choose to bring back a former judge. Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, previously held a spot on the panel and would be a nice addition following Goodman’s departure. Julianne’s return to a judge’s seat would not only bring another fresh perspective to the panel but also another woman and even possibly sibling squabbles between her and Derek.
However, some fans may like to see Maksim Chmerkovskiy sit as a permanent judge on the show. Maks has judged in a guest capacity in the past and knows what it takes to win the show as he’s a former “Dancing With The Stars” pro and mirror ball trophy winner. Because Goodman has made a name for himself as the hard-headed and strict judge on the show, Maks may fill that role well. The dancer has been known to be tough in the past, and would likely bring that same fervor to a judging gig on the show.
Who should replace Len Goodman on DWTS?
Back in 2014, Maks opened up about the possibility of judging “Dancing With The Stars” during an interview with Wendy Williams, per Orlando Sentinel. “I’m not Simon [Cowell]. I’m not a nice judge. I’m a good judge,” he told Williams. “I judge the way it’s supposed to be. I know this business, I’ve been in it, I grew up in it. Somebody asked me yesterday why I started dancing, and I once again thought about it. I was 4 years old. Who knows why. Spending 30 years in an industry … I think I’ve done a little bit in it. I know what I’m talking about. Unlike some of the guest judges that we had this season,” he added.
Only time will tell if “Dancing With The Stars” will replace Len Goodman. However, longtime fans of the show know that no one will ever be able to bring the same expert opinion that Goodman has given over the years.
Image Credits: DWTS/YouTube.
Casey James 
Sofia Bassett