DWTS professionals are reacting to Len Goodman’s retirement

Dancing With the Stars won’t be the same without Len Goodman.

The head judge shockedly announced in Monday’s “semi-finals” that season 31 of the dance competition – which will end next week – will be his last as he leaves to “spend more time” with his children and family.

“To be honest, it got me into my feelings. It surprised me. I didn’t expect me to feel as emotional as I was, said professional dancer Emma Slater, who hails from the UK like Goodman in the Page Six ballroom after her and Trevor Donovan’s elimination.

“Len, I’ve known him since I was 10. He will referee the competition [in England] and he always wanted me to win, she continued.

“I’ve been to every competition he judged and my parents were delighted every time he was on the panel. I remember going up to him as a child and thanking him for having faith in me. Twenty years later I did the same tonight… and cried out again. ‘

It’s unclear whether the production will replace Goodman’s seat at the jury table – now alongside Carrie Ann Inaby, Derek Hough and Bruno Toniola – but Slater said she “always” wanted to “welcome more” people in the DWTS family.

“I think Len would like that too. I’m also a big believer in respecting what people have done, but then adopting new personalities and paving the way for people who shine just as much, ‘she explained. “So I think [let’s] pave the way for someone to make Len proud and the show just includes someone new as well.

Calling Goodman a “legend” professional colleague Gleb Savchenko said it would be a sad competition without his opinion as he is the “heart” of the ballroom.

“All the criticisms and all the little comments he always told us we all took into account and we all worked on it because he is a representative of ballroom dancing,” he said about the first Blackpool Dance Festival master.

“So for him it is painful when he leaves the program. I felt the excitement when I heard that. It’s just that we all love Len so much, and not having him, it will be the missing piece.

Two-time mirror ball champion Val Chmerkovskiy expressed similar sentiments, telling Page Six that he was “genuinely sad” about the news of his retirement.

“It’s like ending a chapter,” he said. “I started to think like,” Well, if that time has passed so quickly for him, it has passed so quickly for me as well. ” It’s a kind of inevitable reality for all of us. So that really put me in a place of appreciation and gratitude. “

As for, will he not be the referee next season if the opportunity arises?

“Yes, I would love to, I would. I’ll be completely honest and hope not to miss my future opportunity but still want to dance [right now]”he admitted.” I had the opportunity to rate “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors” and loved being able to talk to children, inspire them and give them feedback … but it was a huge responsibility. “

He added, “I don’t know if it’s any different when you judge adults, I’m sure it is, but I wasn’t completely on my own rhythm. I wanted to dance, felt a little uncomfortable giving criticism in such a vulnerable situation. So I don’t envy this job! He’s in no rush there yet.

One professional dancer who … has has expressed a desire to be part of the jury in recent years is Cheryl Burke. The host of the podcast “Burke in the Game” competed in the program for 25 seasons, most recently with Sam Champion.

“Cheryl definitely wants to be a judge and I think she would be an amazing addition,” said Britt Stewart, who was eliminated Monday by Daniel Durant. “I think Derek is a testament to the former pro becoming a judge. He really has the knowledge and experience of what it’s like to be in our shoes.

Stewart added that Goodman has been notoriously “so tough” to anyone who has been competing for years, so it will be “interesting” to see who will eventually “take on the role” as a “tough judge” after his departure.

“I’m a Cheryl fan all day,” added Dance Moms with alum. “I’d love to see her in a situation like this.”

Goodman, 78, announced his departure mid-Monday, telling viewers: “While we’re all excited and so much looking forward to next week’s final, it would also be with a bit of sadness, and that will be mine last season,” Dancing with the Stars “.

Noting that judging the competition series “from the start” in 2005 was “a great pleasure,” he added: “I’m looking forward to the final next week. I’m sure it will be absolutely brilliant. “

Dancing With the Stars Season 31 Final – featuring celebrity finalists Charla D’Amelio, Gabby Windey, Shangeli and Wayne Brady – will air this Monday at 8 p.m. EST and 5 p.m. PT on Disney + .