The life and work of dance teacher turned Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman is to be immortalised in a newly commissioned public artwork.

A lasting tribute to the TV star is to be funded by Dartford council and will sit outside the Goodman Dance Academy in the town centre that he opened in 1974.

The work is to be created by artist Adrian Riley who is working alongside Len’s family as he looks to engrave some of the late 78-year-old’s most famous quotes into the pavement.

Talks of creating a commemorative piece began in July last year shortly after his death in April 2023.

Len had a successful early career as a ballroom dancer before making a worldwide name for himself as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing aged 60, and later Dancing with the Stars in the US.

He was best known for his turn of phrase and quick wit as he delivered his verdicts, a few of which will be picked to be displayed in the art piece, such as “pickle my walnuts”, “it’s all sizzle and no sausage” and most notably “seven!”.

The work is planned to be unveiled by the end of the year.

His wife, Sue, and his son James, said: “We are excited by Adrian’s vision of how he intends to capture Len’s wit and charm.

“Our dance studio has been teaching people to dance in Dartford for just over 50 years and to now have this wonderful tribute outside our school is incredible and Len would have been truly bowled over by it.”

Adrian said: “I want people to be inspired to place their feet on the diagrams and dance some of the steps while surrounded by memories of Len’s great wit, pathos, and love of life.”

Council leader Jeremy Kite said: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Len’s life here in Dartford town centre.

“The Goodman Dance Academy is known right across the country and Len Goodman deserves to have the kind of tribute that gets people’s toes tapping.

“When I met with representatives of Len’s family to see Adrian’s proposals we couldn’t help smiling. It’s a perfect tribute to a perfect gentleman.”