Strictly Come Dancing Final 2016: Len Goodman teary-eyed as he waves goodbye to show
STRICTLY COME DANCING'S Len Goodman held back tears as the BBC One held a special tribute for his final episode.
Len Goodman admits he will miss Strictly Come Dancing
The 72-year-old announced earlier this year that this series will be his last.
East End-born Len is a former professional ballroom dancer, and has been a judge on the programme since it first hit our screens in 2004.
Speaking to the BBC audience, Len emotionally said: "I will miss everything about the show. Just turning up and the anticipation of what is going to occur.
"I'm going to miss what I consider, the three best judges on TV. I'll miss being close to the band, the singers, and you two.
Strictly Come Dancing Final 2016: Len Goodman teary-eyed as he waves goodbye to show
Strictly Final 2016: Len Goodman waves goodbye
It's a big machine with cogs. You'd miss any one of the cogs as each part makes Strictly what it is. So I'm going to miss it all.
"It's a big machine with cogs. You'd miss any one of the cogs as each part makes Strictly what it is. So I'm going to miss it all."
The Strictly veteran was then treated to a professional dance routine and another standing ovation.
Splitting his time between the UK and Los Angeles, the Strictly star took up dancing aged 19 after a short time as an apprentice welder for Harland and Wolff in Woolwich, south-east London.
He tried his hand at ballroom in a bid to recover from a football injury and became one the UK’s most successful dancers, retiring after winning the British championships in his late 20s.
Strictly Final 2016: Len Goodman hugs Bruno Tonioli
Strictly Final 2016: Len Goodman hugs Craig Revel-Horwood
Len Goodman will return to Strictly for the Christmas special
Len added: “It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly family.”
The much-loved judge will return for one final special episode this Christmas.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on BBC One on Christmas Day at 6:45pm.