Len Goodman died one day short of his own chilling prediction about his death

In an emotional interview last year, Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman suggested that 2023 could be the year he passes away after discussing his much-loved dad

Len Goodman predicted his own death just six months before his tragic passing was confirmed by his family.

The Strictly favourite's death was announce today, leaving the showbiz world devastated just a day before his heartbreaking prophecy.

The much-loved TV star had been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent following a short battle with bone cancer.

The telly judge passed away on Saturday night surrounded by his family. He would have turned 79 on Tuesday.

But in an interview in 2022, Len revealed that he expected to die in 2023 because his dad passed away suddenly when he was 79.

"My dad had the right idea, he loved gardening and he had a stroke while he was out in the garden. He was 79 so if I go the way of my dad, that'll be next year," he told the MailOnline.

"I don't make a fuss about stuff like that. It's like when you have a car — you keep it serviced but even so, you'll have some trouble with your carburettor and you'll need to get it fixed, and eventually the whole thing will conk out, and there you go.

"It's more about the journey, and mine has been lovely."

The star said he was retiring last year to spend more time with his wife Sue and their grandchildren, Alice, seven, and Jack, four.

Tributes have flooded in for the star following this morning's heartbreaking announcement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Queen Consort say they are saddened by the news.

Devastated Craig Revel Horwood says he is in mourning for his friend and playfully remembered his catchphrases from the BBC show.

He tweeted: "I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away.

"My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family. Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and “It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern”will live with me forever. RIP Len."

Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said he will “treasure” the memories of the “incredible adventures and hundreds of shows” he took part in with his fellow judge.

Dancer Brendan Cole said on This Morning : "The smile, the energy he bought, Strictly is not the same without him. He was an amazing man."

When previously diagnosed with cancer, he still worked on Dancing With The Stars in the US and a series of Strictly as well.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said he was advised to get his mole checked after someone noticed it while he was playing golf.

He said: "I'm not medical at all, so I said, 'I don't know, what is it?' I went and they took it out and it's gone. It was a tiny little thing on my forehead… probably because I play a lot of golf and I don't wear a hat, which I do now.

"It was good that it was what it was because it was like a little early warning, which was good.

"I would have probably carried on in my own sweet way and it could have become something far worse!"

A spokeswoman confirmed that Len had passed away over the weekend to the MailOnline: "I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family."

Len had been staying in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, when he died on Saturday evening.