'DWTS' Judge Len Goodman Is Leaving the Show for Good After Season 31

The longtime head judge of Dancing With the Stars, Len Goodman, has announced that he will be leaving the show at the end of the current 31st season.

The 78-year-old TV personality and pro dancer made the announcement during the live episode on Monday (November 14), one week ahead of the season finale.

Len has been on the judging panel on DWTS since the show began in 2005, though he was absent for most of season 19, all of season 21, most of season 23, and all of season 29 for various reasons.

Click inside to find out what he said…

“This will be my last season judging on Dancing With the Stars,” Len announced halfway into the episode. “I’ve been with the show since it started in 2005 and it has been a huge pleasure to be part of such a wonderful show. But I’ve decided I’d like to spend more time with my grandchildren and my family back in England. I couldn’t thank you enough, the Dancing With the Stars family, it has been such a wonderful experience for me and I’m looking forward so much to next week’s finale. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely brilliant.”

The judges panel also consists of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough right now.

There was another big announcement about a cast member tonight!