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From Barrow Boy to Ballroom: The Extraordinary Journey of Len Goodman

Kendall Ward

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Published in Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy To Ballroom

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Len Goodman is one of the most respected and well-known personalities in the world of ballroom dancing. He is best known for his role as a judge on the BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing, where he has been a fixture since the show's inception in 2004.

Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom

by Len Goodman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Goodman's journey to the top of the ballroom dancing world is an inspiring tale of hard work, determination, and passion. He was born in London in 1944, and grew up in a working-class family. His father was a barrow boy, and his mother was a housewife. Goodman left school at the age of 15, and worked in a variety of jobs before finding his passion in ballroom dancing.

Goodman began dancing at the age of 19, and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport. He won his first major competition in 1965, and went on to become one of the most successful ballroom dancers in the world. He won the British National Ballroom Dancing Championships seven times, and the World Ballroom Dancing Championships three times.

In addition to his dancing career, Goodman has also worked as a coach, choreographer, and television personality. He has coached some of the biggest names in ballroom dancing, including Anton du Beke and Erin Boag. He has also choreographed for a number of television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.

Goodman's passion for ballroom dancing is evident in everything he does. He is a gifted dancer, a knowledgeable coach, and a charismatic television personality. He is an inspiration to everyone who loves ballroom dancing, and his story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion.

Early Life and Career

Len Goodman was born in London, England, on April 25, 1944. His father, Leonard Goodman, was a barrow boy, and his mother, Phyllis Goodman, was a housewife. Goodman grew up in a working-class family, and he left school at the age of 15 to work in a variety of jobs, including as a butcher's assistant and a lorry driver.

Goodman began dancing at the age of 19, when he took lessons at a local dance school. He quickly showed a natural talent for the sport, and he won his first major competition in 1965. In 1969, he partnered with Cherry Kingston, and the pair went on to become one of the most successful ballroom dancing couples in the world.

Goodman and Kingston won the British National Ballroom Dancing Championships seven times, and the World Ballroom Dancing Championships three times. They also represented Great Britain at the World DanceSport Federation World Championships on numerous occasions.

Coaching and Choreography

After retiring from competitive dancing, Goodman began working as a coach and choreographer. He has coached some of the biggest names in ballroom dancing, including Anton du Beke, Erin Boag, and Brendan Cole.

Goodman has also choreographed for a number of television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars. His choreography has been praised for its creativity and originality.

Television Career

Goodman began his television career in the early 1990s, when he appeared as a guest judge on the BBC's ballroom dancing show Strictly Dance Fever.

In 2004, Goodman was invited to join the judging panel of the BBC's new ballroom dancing show, Strictly Come Dancing. He has been a fixture on the show ever since, and he has become one of the most popular and respected judges in the world.

Goodman is known for his sharp wit and his honest critiques. He is not afraid to say what he thinks, but he is always fair and respectful to the dancers.

Goodman has also appeared on a number of other television shows, including The Great British Bake Off, The One Show, and Pointless Celebrities.

Personal Life

Goodman is married to Sue Goodman, and they have two children, James and Lauren.

Goodman is a keen golfer, and he is also a patron of the Len Goodman Charitable Trust, which supports young people who are interested in pursuing a career in ballroom dancing.

Legacy

Len Goodman is one of the most respected and well-known personalities in the world of ballroom dancing. He is a gifted dancer, a knowledgeable coach, and a charismatic television personality. He is an inspiration to everyone who loves ballroom dancing, and his story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion.

Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom

by Len Goodman

4.5 out of 5