by Len Goodman
I have to thank the BBC for having the idea for Strictly. We now know it was a brilliant idea, but they had to have the vision. Through that vision they've brought dancing into millions of homes every Saturday night. I also have to thank them for – eventually – picking me as a judge; there were so many possible candidates, many of whom are probably better qualified than me and might well have done a better job. I'd also like to thank ABC for giving me the chance to be on American television and so become an international superstar – well sort of.
But I also want to say how much I miss going to my little Dartford dance studio to teach what I love so much. As Chuck Berry once said about Elvis, 'He got what he wanted, but he lost what he had.' Having got my little bit of fame and fortune later in life, I can thoroughly recommend it; who knows, it might even be better this way because I'm able to appreciate it even more.
Well, there it is, my life story: from an urchin selling fruit and veg off a barrow in Bethnal Green to criticising celebrities dancing on the television – life's a funny old business. I started dancing in my twenties, met my soulmate in my fifties and arrived on your television screens in my sixties. You certainly couldn't make it up.
My dear old dad used to say to me, 'Len, you walk along life's highway and sometimes you come to some stony bits that are unpleasant and the going gets tough. But there are also some green bits, which are lovely and enjoyable; remember, whatever bits you are going through, you have to keep going. Try to travel slowly through the green bits and go quickly through the rough patches.'
Well, having arrived in the September of my years, I'm at one of the greenest parts of my life – better late than never.
Acknowledgements
When I finally finished the book, I threw away my pencil and got back to doing what I like best – nothing. A day or two later Richard Havers, my ghostwriter called. 'Len, where's the acknowledgements?'
'Richard, no one reads that stuff. It'll sound like an Oscar's speech, but I'll do my best, if I have to.'
So my first thanks goes to Richard for turning my incoherent ramblings into something that people could read.
Appearing on Strictly Come Dancing or Dancing with the Stars would have been impossible without the fantastic help of Sue Dimmock, Angela Parkinson, Louise Carlier and her team of helpers, Catherine Austin, Sophie Young, Rachael Breeze, Kerry Beinek, Rory Costain, Lindsay Wallace, Alison Dyer, Sue Whiting and my son James, who all work at the dance school. Over the years there have been many other teachers and helpers, but I'd especially like to acknowledge Maureen Saunders, Diane Dunn, Rachelle Bell, Derek & Beryl Brown and Dot. Special thanks also go to Bryan and Lynda Rolf who worked in the school and were like second parents to James when he was young.
They'll never read this but I'd like to thank the Goodmans and Eldridges who formed me into the person I have become, especially my Mum and Dad who I love and miss so much. Rene, my stepmother, reminded me of much about my younger years; thank you for the love, kindness and happiness you've always given to Dad and me.
At Ebury thanks to Andrew Goodfellow for agreeing to publish my book – he's a good man! Ali Nightingale has worked tirelessly and kept me on track. Jackie Gill, who acted as my agent, performed minor miracles; her charm and patience are assets all too often overlooked today. Richard's agent Paul Moreton was very helpful throughout.
Thank you to the BBC for making the title of my book come true; especially Izzie Pick for picking me in the first place. Thanks also to Martin Scott, Sam Donnelly and their team for everything. Huge thanks to Arlene, Bruno and Craig who've put up with my moaning at them, both on and off air. Not forgetting Claudia Winkleman, who is, to quote Brucie – my favourite. A big thank you to Tess and Brucie – finally I met the man who helped get me into trouble all those years ago.
Thanks to ABC Television for letting me appear on America's screens and in particular to Conrad Green, Matilda Zoltowski and Rob Wade, the producers.
I have had many wonderful experiences in my life, but the best was meeting my Sue. She has been a brilliant help at the studio, especially during my recent 'television life'. She's also been wonderful in assisting Richard and myself with the book. Sue, 1 I couldn't have done it without you.
If I've forgotten anyone I'm sorry, but what do you expect at my age?
