Greenhithe's Len Goodman will leave Strictly Come Dancing after 12 years on the show.

The 72-year-old, who owns The Len Goodman Dance Centre in Dartford, has confirmed that the next series of the popular BBC dance show will be his last as he will not be returning in 2017.

This Is Local London: Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli make up this year's Strictly judging panel

Len Goodman with fellow judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood

He will be joined by fellow judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood for his final series, as well as presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Len, who was born in Farnborough village and previously lived in Blackfen, Welling and Bexley will not be retiring and will continue his shows on Radio Two.

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Len Goodman

He said: "In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on?

"This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I've reached my 70s, I've decided after this year it's time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.

"It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I'm looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next."

The BBC said it was too early to comment on any speculation about who would replace Goodman for the 2017 series.

The show will return to BBC One this autumn.