BBC weatherman makes sneaky tribute to Len Goodman during report

To most, Monday night's BBC weather report was the same as any other night, with forecaster Darren Bett guiding us through a week of cloudy skies.

But sharp-eared viewers might have heard a very sneaky reference to the late great Len Goodman during his report.

Goodman, the former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, sadly passed away on Saturday (22 April) aged 78.

BBC

The Strictly judge, who had been residing in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, died of bone cancer.

News of Len Goodman's passing has hit fans hard, and it wasn't long before tributes came pouring in for the former ballroom dancer.

One of the more subtle tributes was one from BBC weather reporter Darren Bett, during Monday night's television forecast.

"It gets warmer over the land, the cloud bubbles up, spreads out," Darren told viewers of this week's weather.

"It does become more cloudy through the day.

"The winds will all be light tomorrow, and temperatures will range from seven up in northern Scotland to 12 in the southeast of England."

When Darren discusses temperatures in north Scotland, you might notice that he puts a particular emphasis on the number 'seven'.

BBC

Strictly fans will, of course, know that Len Goodman became known over the years for shouting out his signature number seven when judging performances.

His delivery of the number 'seven' was so enthusiastic that it quickly became a catchphrase for Len.

The odd time that a contestant went above and beyond his expectations, Len would opt for his other catchphrase 'it's a ten from Len.'

But seven was undoubtedly Len's signature number.

And weatherman Darren Bett did such a perfect impersonation of Len's catchphrase that it was picked up by fans right away.

"Love it, made me smile," tweeted one fan.

"Made me cry again," admitted a second.

PA

Len's agent Jackie Gill confirmed the devastating news of his passing on Saturday, stating: “It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78.

“A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

Len had appeared on the show from 2004 to 2016 before he was eventually replaced by Shirley Ballas - but he always remained very popular with fans.

Meanwhile he acted as the head judge on America's Dancing With The Stars from 2005 to 2022.

Before his judging days, Len had been an award-winning ballroom dancer, but retired from the profession in his late twenties.

He was also a recipient of the Carl Alan Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to dance.