Magazine and book editor Zoe West has paid tribute to Len Goodman, following the death of the BBC One star.

It was announced this morning (Monday, April 24), that the Strictly Come Dancing judge had sadly passed away at the age of 78.

Mr Goodman had judged St Albans' Zoe West at dance competitions between the 1980s and 1990s.

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The 47-year-old told the PA news agency: "Len himself was a wonderful, warm judge – he would give you a cheeky wink and smile to let you know you were doing well and was so encouraging.

"You wanted to impress him.

                                                                                            

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"He was professional but fun and when he ran competitions he was always entertaining – destined to be on TV, I guess.

"He was a lovely man indeed.”

Herts Advertiser: Zoe West described Len Goodman as so encouraging.Zoe West described Len Goodman as so encouraging. (Image: PA)

Zoe continued, speaking of the BBC One star's passing: "(It) felt like the end of an era.

“I often talk about him to my children, who now dance too.

"He was a very big character in our little world back then.

“I genuinely feel like we’ve lost a lovely man and a true inspiration.”