'DWTS' Judge Len Goodman Isn't Leaving TV For Good

It was so sad when it was officially announced that Dancing with the Stars head judge Len Goodman would be departing from the show. Although he was there from day one, after 10 years on the show, he's stepping down. DWTS producer Rob Wade revealed in a statement that Goodman left because of his increasingly busy schedule — he's got his hands full with the UK's Strictly Come Dancing and his newborn grandson. The former judge said as much himself in an interview with People magazine last December — like Wade, Goodman cited his family (his mother's been ill) as a large part of the reason behind his departure. Plus, as he put it, "I just need a bit of time off to get on with a normal life." (He also added that he felt that 10 years — and 20 seasons — was a good stopping point). But, what will Len Goodman do since he's now not judging?

Well, to start, not all hope is lost — Wade said in that same statement that the door's still open for opportunities for the former judge to make the occasional guest appearance on DWTS. "He still might be involved in the season at some capacity, but we will have to wait and see," Wade said. "I'm sure we will see Len in the ballroom again soon."

Let's hope so! Because, honestly, what will DWTS be without Goodman's trademark tough love?

... his rampant adorableness?

... and his love of the Viennese waltz? (Not to mention his crazy dancing skills and know-how).

Well, the upside is, if you really miss Goodman (how could you not?), you can always catch him on Strictly Come Dancing — as he told People last winter, he's prepared to stay on indefinitely:

I will do Strictly as long as they want me. Eventually, they will say, 'He's getting too old and fat now, Goodman, we'll have to get shot of him.' But all the time they would like me to do it, I will be doing it.

Aww. Len, take it from me, you'll never be too old to charm us fans.

Images: Giphy (2); dwtsgifs, elizabeth-lr/Tumblr