At the age of 78, a beloved figure from “Dancing With the Stars” has passed away. Known for his warmth and charm, he was a key part of the ballroom competition from 2005 to 2018. After battling bone cancer for an extended period, he peacefully passed away on Saturday in a hospice in Kent, England, surrounded by family.

Born in London in 1944, he began dancing at 19 and quickly made his mark as a professional dancer before moving into television. His charisma and expertise earned him a place as head judge on the British version of the show, where he remained a cornerstone until his departure in 2016, with Shirley Ballas stepping in to fill his shoes.