Strictly Come Dancing returned to our screens for 2023 with judges, presenters and dancers paying an emotional tribute to the late Len Goodman who died earlier this year.

Len Goodman was one of the show's most iconic judges with his many one-liners endearing him to hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.

Claudia Winkleman introduced the segment, telling those at home: "In April this year the undisputed king of ballroom Len Goodman died."

She added: "He meant so much to all of us and we would like to share some of our favourite moments with Len."

BBC Judge Craig Revel Horwood said during the tribute: "I don't think I'll meet anyone as funny, he really made you smile" with Claudi adding: "Len could light up a room and so when you were with Len you felt a glow."

Former dancer and current judge Anton Du Beke also praised how Len Goodman would tell people they danced terribly, saying: "He would tell you were dancing awfully in such a nice way that you didn't really mind."

His passing was announced in April with the official Strictly Come Dancing X (Twitter) page releasing a statement, saying: "Len was more than the head judge on Strictly, he was a beloved colleague and friend who meant so much to so many."

Strictly Come Dancing fans 'sobbing' after 'emotional' tribute paid to late Len Goodman 

Fans were deeply touched by the tribute with one writing: "Strictly really do be pulling at the heartstrings tonight" with another adding: "Oh what a beautiful and very emotional tribute to the one and only Len. I'm sobbing"

One viewer simply said: "tribute was just lovely" while another tweeted: "Awwww a ten from Len how lovely to post a tribute to him."

Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.