"We didn't tell anyone except my 96-year-old mum as I didn't want her having a heart attack with the surprise," he said.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 21, 2022. It has since been updated.
Len Goodman, the judge of ABC's Dancing With the Stars looked to spend more of his time with his family and his wife after calling curtains on the show. The late Len Goodman's relationship with Sue Barrett was one that sustained him. He had always wanted to have a low-key wedding after being besotted with his longtime partner and dance instructor Sue Barrett, reported Us Weekly. He revealed that the only person he wanted to give a heads-up to was his mother. Just 30 friends and family members were invited to the ceremony, which was passed off as a quiet lunch with Goodman and his 50-year-old partner of ten years. "I've had a marvelous day, and now my gorgeous Sue is the new Mrs. Goodman," he said at the time of their marriage. The newlyweds and their guests celebrated with a five-course meal and champagne reception after exchanging vows. Goodman claimed that despite keeping his wedding preparations largely a secret, he did let his mother in on the information. "I wanted it to be a low-key affair, so we didn't tell anyone except my 96-year-old mum as I didn't want her having a heart attack with the surprise."
Goodman had always been open about how much joy his wife brings him. "She's gorgeous and makes me very happy — though she likes to stay out of the limelight. It was a complete surprise to my friends and family today and we've had a fabulous time." Goodman has been married before. He was wed to a different dancer. When Goodman and Cherry Kingston danced together in the late 1960s and early 1970s, their relationship officially began. Kingston and he remained friends even after he gave up dancing professionally in 1972. They remained partners for another five years, but they soon realized it wasn't the best match. Kingston eventually called off the wedding after falling in love with a French seducer. He was "wounded; hurt that she had completed it, hurt by the way I found out" when she left him in favor of a French millionaire.
More than two decades younger than her companion, Barrett is now in her early 50s. She also has dance experience. Barrett is deeply involved in the dancing world, just like her famous husband. She apparently instructs dancing, possibly alongside her spouse. 40 miles southeast of London, in the English county of Kent, he is the owner of the Len Goodman Dance Academy.
Giving the biggest thank you to Len Goodman for being a part of our #DWTS family for so many years! 💜 Wishing him nothing but the best as we celebrate his last season before retirement! pic.twitter.com/ho1z65Dsa8
— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@officialdwts) November 15, 2022
However, on "Dancing With the Stars," an era is coming to an end. The reality show's chief judge, Len Goodman, will step down at the end of this season. He debuted in Season 1 of the ABC-turned-Disney+ program, via Variety. “This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars,'” he said. Goodman extended his gratitude by saying that it was a "pleasure" to be on the show but he has decided to spend time with his family back in Britain. He continued, “It’s been such a wonderful experience for me, and look forward so much to next week’s finale. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely brilliant.” Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough all broke down in tears after he made his announcement, expressing their deep sorrow for the adored juror.
Update: Len Goodman passed away on 22 April 2023, three days before his 79th birthday.
References:
https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/len-goodman-leaving-dancing-with-the-stars-season-31-1235432863/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Simon Burchell / Stringer
