“I’ve always felt Len is irreplaceable,” executive producer Conrad Green tells EW.
Dancing With the Starsis back but there will be a metaphorically empty chair at the judges' table.
“I’ve always felt Len is irreplaceable,” executive producer Conrad Green tells EW.
Len Goodman on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Christopher Willard via Getty Images
His legacy of what he’s brought to the show is amazing.
It was never in my mind to replace him."
He’s always been that guy who’s protected ballroom dancing on the show.
He will be missed terribly."
But that doesn’t mean there might not also be some more special guests at the table.
“That’s the best way of expanding the judging panel.”
Season 32 will also seek to pay tribute to Goodman in multiple ways.
For starters, the show is renaming its champion Mirrorball trophy after the judge.
Henceforth, it will be named the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The show will dedicate the new trophy in Goodman’s honor during the Tuesday night live premiere.
Green says they will also plan moments to pay further tribute to Goodman throughout the season.
Dancing With the Starsseason 32 premieres Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
