After 12 years as head judge, Len Goodman will leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The 72-year-old has appeared on the BBC show since it started in 2004 and thinks now is the time to take off his dancing shoes.

Goodman, who runs the Goodman Dance Academy in Dartford and lives in Ightham near Sevenoaks, is not retiring and is believed to still be appearing on screens as judge on Dancing With The Stars.

It is thought that he will spend more time at the Market Street school of dance, which he runs alongside wife, Sue.

The BBC broke the news of his departure in a statement released this morning.

Goodman said: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than ten years on.

"This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.

"It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

Leaving with a bang, the judges and producers of the show have guaranteed to make this series the most glittery and entertaining yet.