Who Will Replace Len Goodman as Head Judge on 'DWTS'?
Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli
Dancing with the Stars is making big changes for its 32nd season with Alfonso Ribeiro taking over as host from Tyra Banks and Julianne Hough stepping in as co-host for the season from the skybox. Now that the new hosts have been revealed, the question on everyone's mind is: Are they replacing Len Goodman as head judge?
The answer is no. The one thing that will remain the same is the judging panel. DWTS will have three judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough—behind the desk for Season 32. Len, who announced his retirement at the end of Season 31, will not be replaced in his position as head judge. The three remaining judges will be equal, but there may be some surprise guest judges.
ABC/Eric McCandless
“Nobody will ever be able to replace Len,” Derek told TV Insider. “He was so witty and funny. As far as me focusing more on the technique and the quality, the things that he focused on…yeah. I think that it’s important that somebody on the panel does focus on those things a little bit more. With my background and my training in ballroom and Latin, I feel that could be something I could communicate. I can focus on the more technical aspects. I’ll never want to be something I’m not. What’s authentic to me is genuinely wanting couples to improve. I want to encourage them through honesty. I really envision that the three of us will have some guest judges, which will be nice. Sometimes having that outside perspective can be fun. It’ll make it feel different. We’ll see what happens.”
Related: Dancing with the Stars Judge Derek Hough Ties the Knot With Hayley Erbert
Not long after announcing his retirement, Len died following a short battle with bone cancer at a hospice in England, surrounded by his family.
ABC/Kelsey McNeal
"I've been with the show since it started in 2005," Len said in a statement at the time of his retirement, "and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show. But I’ve decided I'd like to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain. I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing with the Stars family. It's been such a wonderful experience.”
Related: Which Dancing with the Stars Pro Will Not Return for Season 32?
Goodman had been a part of the American version of Dancing with the Stars since the series premiered on ABC in 2005, judging more than 3,000 dances in the ballroom. He missed Season 29 when COVID protocols prevented him from making his weekly trans-Atlantic flight to judge the U.S. version of the dance reality series. His only other absence was Season 21 when his U.K. duties prevented him from participating.
In its early days, Dancing with the Stars only had three judges, so it will be a return to the original format.
Carrie Ann announced on her Instagram that she, along with Bruno and Derek, will be guesting on GMA3, following the live reveal of the new cast for Season 32 on GMA on Sept. 13, so tune in for more info on the judges at that time.
Next, Get a First Look at the New Dancing with the Stars Hosting Team
