Len Goodman has passed away at the age of 78.

Known as a judge on Dancing With the Stars, the English dancer, who served on the show from 2005 to 2018, died on Saturday at a hospice in Kent, England, following a prolonged battle with bone cancer. He was surrounded by family, according to his manager, Jackie Gill, who shared the news with CNN on Monday.

Goodman joined Dancing With the Stars alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, becoming a familiar face in the dance competition world. Born in London in 1944, Goodman began dancing at age 19, ultimately pursuing a professional dance career before moving into television.

Goodman also held the role of head judge on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, BBC’s version of Dancing With the Stars, from its debut in 2004 until his final episode on Christmas Day 2016. He was succeeded by Shirley Ballas after his departure.

BBC director-general Tim Davie led the tributes, describing Goodman as a “wonderful, warm entertainer” beloved by millions. Davie reflected, “He was admired by people of all ages and felt like a family member to viewers. Len was at the heart of Strictly’s success and will be deeply missed by the public, friends, and family.”

Bruno Tonioli, another judge on Dancing With the Stars, posted a heartfelt tribute with a photo of the two of them holding hands, writing, “Heartbroken, my dear friend and partner for 19 years, the one and only ballroom LEGEND #LenGoodman, has passed away. I will always cherish our memories together—there will never be anyone like you. You will always be my perfect 10.”

Outside of television, Goodman ran the Goodman Dance Academy in Kent and authored an autobiography, Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom, published in 2009. He also penned Dancing Around Britain and Lost London, reflecting his passion for dance and his home city.