Len Goodman quit 'Strictly Come Dancing' because he couldn't handle "travelling" between the UK and US.

Len Goodman

Len Goodman

The 72-year-old head judge has decided to turn his back on the Ballroom and Latin show after the forthcoming series because he wants to focus on America's 'Dancing With the Stars', which is on around the same time, and can no longer deal with dashing back and forth across the pond.

His fellow judge Craig Revel-Horwood explained Len's decision: "It was all the travelling. The American gig is good for him because he can go out for two months it's a shorter season and it pays more money. He doesn't have to fly back and forwards which is exhausting even if you are drinking champagne in first class."

The pair have both sat on the panel since the show first hit screens in 2004 and, although the tough-talking judge will miss his co-star, Craig understands his decision for leaving.

He said: "I will miss him a lot.

"I'll miss our battling most definitely and all the pointing of the fingers. It'll be really quite bizarre when he's not there."

Meanwhile, Len's departure has been the hot topic of conversation in recent months as, not only will be he sorely missed, his replacement is yet to be announced.

And, despite his experience, the 51-year-old dancer isn't interested in taking Len's place as the head judge.

He explained to The Sunday Post newspaper: "I think it's great to get new blood in and I rather like the role I have played over the years. So I don't know whether or not I'd like that continuously."


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