Len Goodman was married twice, most recently to Sue Barrett, with whom he shared a long-term relationship before marrying in 2012. Known internationally as the beloved, sharp-witted head judge on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars, Goodman balanced a high-profile television career with a remarkably private domestic life. This article explores his marriages, family history, professional achievements, and legacy following his passing in April 2023.
Understanding Len Goodman: Personal Life and Public Persona
The public fascination with Len Goodman extends far beyond his definitive scorecards and iconic phrase, "pickle my walnuts." Audiences worldwide grew to love his old-school charm, technical expertise, and no-nonsense approach to ballroom dancing. Yet, behind the bright lights of BBC One and ABC, Goodman maintained a clear boundary between his life in the spotlight and his private world in Kent, England.
To understand Goodman's life, it is essential to look at the dualities that defined him. He was simultaneously a world-class professional dancer, a successful East London small-business owner running a Goodman's Dance School, and a family man rooted in British traditions. His marital history reflects a man who valued long-term commitment, evolving from a young dancing partnership into a stable, enduring marriage later in life.
Was Len Goodman Married? Exploring His Marital History
Yes, Len Goodman was married twice during his lifetime. His approach to romance was shaped by his early introduction to the world of ballroom dancing, where professional partnerships frequently crossed over into personal relationships.
First Marriage: Cherry Kingston
Len Goodman’s first marriage was to Cherry Kingston, a fellow dancer whom he met through the competitive dancing circuit. In the 1960s and 1970s, the couple spent years training together, competing, and establishing their credentials in the British dance community.
- The Relationship: Their shared passion for dance formed the bedrock of their early relationship. Like many competitive dancers of that era, their lives were consumed by rigorous practice schedules, traveling to regional competitions, and managing dance schools.
- The Outcome: Ultimately, the pressures of the competitive dance industry and changing personal paths led to their separation and subsequent divorce. Despite the dissolution of the marriage, Goodman maintained a pragmatic and respectful stance regarding his past, rarely airing personal grievances in the media.
Second Marriage: Sue Barrett
Len Goodman’s second and final marriage was to Sue Barrett, a dance teacher. The couple met through their mutual involvement in the dance world and enjoyed a remarkably long courtship before legally solidifying their union.
- The Courtship: Goodman and Barrett were together for over a decade before tying the knot. They shared a quiet, grounded lifestyle, largely avoiding the flashy London celebrity circuit in favor of a peaceful existence in rural Kent.
- The Wedding: In December 2012, Goodman and Barrett married in a secret ceremony at luxury country house hotel Stapleford Park in Leicestershire. In a classic demonstration of Goodman's signature humor, guests had initially been invited under the guise of attending a Christmas lunch, only to discover upon arrival that they were attending a wedding.
- The Partnership: Sue Barrett remained Goodman's steadfast partner through his cancer diagnosis and final days. Their marriage endured for over a decade until his passing in April 2023.
Family and Children: The Goodman Lineage
Beyond his marriages, Len Goodman was a devoted father and grandfather. Family played a central role in grounding him, particularly as his international television career skyrocketed in his sixties and seventies.
Son: James Goodman
Len Goodman had one son, James Goodman, born in 1981 from a relationship with a woman named Lesley, prior to his marriage to Sue Barrett. James followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in the professional dance world, specializing in Latin and ballroom styles.
Despite his demanding filming schedule—which frequently required transatlantic flights between London and Los Angeles—Goodman maintained a close bond with James. Father and son shared a deep mutual respect, often bonding over their shared expertise in dance technique and teaching methodologies.
Grandchildren
In his later years, Goodman embraced grandfatherhood with the same enthusiasm he brought to judging. James and his wife welcomed children, making Goodman a grandfather. He frequently spoke in interviews about how much joy his grandchildren brought him, often describing family time at his home in Kent as his ultimate sanctuary away from television studios.
Career Overview: From East London to Global Stardom
Len Goodman’s personal life cannot be fully understood without examining the career that consumed much of his adult life. Born in Dartford, Kent, in 1944, Goodman did not start dancing until relatively late by professional standards—around the age of 20. Originally trained as a welder for Harland and Wolff in Woolwich, he took up dancing on the recommendation of a doctor to help heal a foot injury.
Competitive Success
Despite starting late, Goodman showed extraordinary aptitude. Within a few years, he turned professional and achieved remarkable success in the competitive circuit:
- Won numerous prestigious competitions, including the British Exhibition Championships (which he won four times).
- Retired from competitive dancing at the age of 33, immediately pivoting to teaching and adjudicating.
Television Legacy: Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars
Goodman became a household name globally due to his roles as head judge on two of the world's most successful dance franchises:
- Strictly Come Dancing (BBC): He served as head judge from the show's inception in 2004 until 2016, establishing the authoritative, traditional standard against which all contemporary contestants were measured.
- Dancing with the Stars (ABC): He crossed the Atlantic in 2005 to judge the American adaptation, bringing British wit and technical precision to US television audiences for 31 seasons until his retirement in November 2022.
His ability to bridge technical critique with warm, accessible humor made him irreplaceable to millions of viewers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail / Fact |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leonard Goodman |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1944 |
| Date of Passing | April 22, 2023 |
| First Wife | Cherry Kingston (divorced) |
| Second Wife | Sue Barrett (married 2012–2023) |
| Children | One son, James Goodman (born 1981) |
| Primary Career | Professional Ballroom Dancer, Dance Adjudicator, Television Personality |
| Notable Shows | Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Len Goodman married at the time of his death?
Yes, Len Goodman was married to Sue Barrett at the time of his passing in April 2023. The couple had been married since December 2012, following a long-term relationship that began in the early 2000s. Barrett was by his side during his final days at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
How many times was Len Goodman married?
Len Goodman was married twice. His first marriage was to fellow dancer Cherry Kingston in his early career, and his second and final marriage was to Sue Barrett. Both relationships originated within the professional dance community.
Did Len Goodman have children?
Yes, Goodman had one son, James Goodman, born in 1981 from a previous relationship. James pursued a career as a professional dancer and teacher, continuing the family's deep-rooted connection to the ballroom industry. Goodman was also a grandfather.
Why did Len Goodman retire from television?
Len Goodman announced his retirement from Dancing with the Stars in November 2022, citing his desire to spend more time with his family in the UK. He explained that after decades of traveling across the Atlantic, he wanted to slow down and enjoy his later years at home in Kent.
What was Len Goodman's profession before television?
Before achieving fame as a television judge, Goodman was a professional ballroom and Latin dancer. He won numerous titles, including the British Exhibition Championships. After retiring from competition at age 33, he ran a successful dance school in Dartford, Kent, and served as an examiner for the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD).
Final Recommendation and Next Actions
For readers exploring Len Goodman’s life and career, the most rewarding path is to revisit his written memoirs—such as Better Late Than Never: From Barrow Boy to Ballroom—or view archival footage of his expert adjudications on Strictly Come Dancing. These sources offer an authentic look at a man who remained grounded in his working-class roots, dedicated to his craft, and deeply committed to his family throughout his remarkable life.
