'I won't work just for money, I only take things I want to do,' says Len Goodman
THE Strictly Come Dancing judge helps a host of celebrity guests relive their favourite holiday memories in a new daytime series
He has spent the last 10 years presiding over the judges on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, in which time he’s become one of this country’s most recognisable stars.
But Len Goodman, 70, is as down-to-earth as he appears on screen. Chatting to Saturday, he gives the impression of someone who is flattered and humbled by the opportunities he has had.
This week, Len adds another string to his bow with a new series for BBC1. Holiday Of My Lifetime sees him helping celebrity guests, including Angela Rippon (above), Eamonn Holmes, Esther Rantzen and Ainsley Harriott relive their favourite childhood holidays in destinations such as Cornwall, Isle of Wight, Blackpool and Scotland.
Every year I get excited about Strictly. It’s a bit like Christmas, seeing all the contestants come out all nicely wrapped up and not knowing what you’re going to get. I’m loving it
It sounds like your new series was a lot of fun to make…
I enjoyed every second; it didn’t feel like work. I love Britain and its seaside resorts, some of which I’d been to and lots I hadn’t. I hope the series will be successful, but even if it’s not I’ve had the most wonderful time.
Does it have a very nostalgic feel to it?
Yes, and that’s what appealed to me. I love chatting about how things used to be, before laptops and iPads. There was an innocence about it. Back then, all you needed was a fishing rod and a rock pool to keep you entertained for hours.
Did you go on holiday a lot when you were a child?
Funnily enough, guest Gyles Brandreth’s first holiday was to Broadstairs, in Kent, which was where I went with my parents. Our recollections were so similar. It was great to relive it all.
This series marks a change for you as it’s unrelated to dancing. Was it nice to do something different?
I loved it. I was flattered they asked old Len from Strictly to do it!
On the subject of Strictly, are you enjoying the new series?
Every year I get excited. It’s a bit like Christmas, seeing all the contestants come out all nicely wrapped up and not knowing what you’re going to get. I’m loving it.
What do you make of this year’s line-up?
It couldn’t be better. We’ve got some great looking girls and some handsome guys, like Thom Evans. There’s always someone you don’t expect to be good and is much better than they seem, too.
You’re also a judge on the US version of the show, Dancing With The Stars. How are you finding the long commute?
I’m not doing all the shows in America, just the first three and last four. It’s such a palaver flying to LA; I’m too old for all that now.
What are your plans after Strictly finishes?
I’ll do the Strictly tour again, which will be fun.
Would you ever retire?
I like time off as a reward for hard work but I’m not sure how I’d feel if it was every day. But I won’t work just for the money, I only take on things that I really want to do.
Holiday Of My Lifetime, weekdays, 3.45pm, BBC1
