Len Goodman is retiring from ‘Dancing With the Stars’ to spend time with family.
Goodman’s last episode will be Jan. 17 and he’ll be off the show for two months to do “everything related to his son’s school,” a source said.
Goodman will return June 11 for the finale.
Goodman, 33, of Tifton, Ga., is a 10-time champion on the reality dating competition and was the runner-up in season eight.
He’ll finish in the overall third place among the 13 remaining couples. His partner is professional dancer Tony Dovolani, who is also 33.
Last year, Goodman was voted in the top 10 among the 16 pros on the panel and he’s the first to be voted off the show, according to sources.
Goodman is being remembered for his trademark moves and his energetic attitude, as well as his ability to connect with fans.
“It’s hard for me to believe this is me,” said Goodman, “but I feel like I am the person people call when they have something to say about TBS.”
“He loves his fans,” his manager, Tim Eichenberger, said. “He is very happy with the show, being the runner-up, and he feels like he is the most wanted by the fans. People have always loved him and he really has grown. When he is hosting a show like ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ he is like a pro; it’s his show and he knows what needs to be done.”
Goodman has two stepbrothers who have also been contestants on Dancing with the Stars.
This season, the celebrities chose to compete in either a solo or a team format.
Goodman, along with his partner, performed “My Favorite Things” by the Carpenters at the 2017 TBS Awards gala in New York on Oct. 15.
Their routine received mixed reactions on social media, but Goodman said he loved his time on the show and relishes having such a devoted fan base.
“I