Len Goodman revealed the sweet piece of advice pal Bruce Forsyth gave him before his first-ever appearance on TV.
The showbiz world is in mourning after it was announced the former Strictly Come Dancing judge passed away over the weekend.
A spokeswoman told MailOnline: “I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family.”
READ MORE: Tributes pour in for Strictly’s Len Goodman as Craig Revel Horwood praises ‘dear friend’
The 78-year-old became a household name during his role as head judge on Strictly, where he appeared for 14 seasons.
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston/Matt Burlem)
But although he will be remembered as one of TV’s most memorable figures, he admitted he’d had his fears before stepping in front of the camera for the first time.
Speaking to podcast hosts Dame Esther Rantzen and Adrian Mills on the That’s After Life! podcast in May 2021, he said late Strictly presenter Bruce Forsyth gave him a piece of advice that stuck with him for the rest of his life.
The Strictly legend said: “When I was going to go on my first show of Strictly, [Bruce] came and saw me, which I thought was a lovely thing.
“He said, ‘How are you feeling?’ And I said, ‘I’m alright, I’m just worried I’m going to be wooden.’ Because I’d never done anything, any television [before].”
Len then revealed the five wise words Bruce, who passed away in 2017 aged 89, told him before the first-ever episode of the show began rolling.
“He said, and this is great advice for everyone, ‘Be yourself, and be honest.’
“What more do you want? And that is 100% Strictly.”
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Len went on to have an illustrious TV career which saw him star on 14 seasons of Strictly before he left in 2016.
The TV legend also spent more than 15 years as a judge on Dancing With The Stars and finally hung up his scoring panel last November.
He told viewers: “This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars.
“I’ve been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”
Len leaves behind wife Sue Barrett, a son, and two grandchildren.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
