Craig Revel Horwood puts on a brave face as he is seen for the first time since Len Goodman died

Craig Revel Horwood put on a brave face as he was seen for the first time since his former co-star Len Goodman’s death. 

The Strictly judge paid homage to Len as he proved the show must go on while stepping out in London on Wednesday. 

Len died at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells following a short battle with bone cancer on Saturday night, days ahead of his 79th birthday.  

Craig, who described Len as his ‘gorgeous colleague’ in his heartfelt tribute, painted a smile on his face as he headed out after the death of his ‘dear friend’. 

Craig took to Instagram to share his condolences after Len’s death.  

RIP: Len died at a hospice in Tunbridge Wells following a short battle with bone cancer on Saturday night, days ahead of his 79th birthday

Alongside a photo from one of the first ever series of Strictly, the judge wrote: ‘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 wife Sue and family. Len ‘goody’ Goodman is what I called him and “it’s a ten from Len and seveeeeern” will live with me forever. 

‘Rest in peace Len.’ 

Len was a much-loved judge on Strictly after joining the show when it launched in 2004 and staying on the panel until 2016. 

As well as winning a legion of fans in the UK, he also became a big name in the US after joining the American version of the show Dancing With The Stars.

He remained with the series from 2005 until 2022.

Len passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a private battle with bone cancer.  

A spokesman for the star told MailOnline: ‘I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family.’ 

Staying positive: The Strictly judge paid homage to Len as he proved the show must go on in London on Wednesday as he painted a smile on his face 

Keep dancing: Craig described Len as his ‘gorgeous colleague’ and ‘dear friend’ (pictured L-R Len, Darcey Bussell, Craig and Bruno Tonioli) 

Len’s death has devastated the cast of Strictly. 

Anton Du Beke reportedly burst out crying on stage while paying tribute to the ballroom legend.

The Strictly judge, 56, is thought to have broken down in tears as he performed a slow Foxtrot in honour of his late co-star on Monday.

During An Evening With Anton Du Beke at the Corn Exchange Theatre in King’s Lynn, he told fans: ‘I have been like this all day, a disaster.

‘My old pal, Lord Len Goodman. We love you, Len.

‘He is the benchmark for all the judges. I have always tried to take his advice, which is: “Be yourself and say what you see.”‘ 

Emotional: It comes as Anton Du Beke reportedly burst out crying on stage while paying tribute to Len