'Dancing With The Stars' Season 22 Cast News: Len Goodman Returns; ABC Released Premiere Date
Moments before ABC's hit reality dance competition series, "Dancing With the Stars," announced its 22nd grand winner on Tuesday, the show broke the news on the return of a familiar face for its upcoming brand new season.
During the big finale event, DWTS aired a special holiday video message featuring veteran judge Len Goodman. The latter is a name closely tied into the show for appearing in 20 seasons. He bowed out from the latest season but the English professional ballroom dancer went over to judge the British version of the show, "Strictly Come Dancing."
In his statement that night, the 71-year-old revealed that he has been closely watching the US show from the UK and that he finds everyone to have "been doing a fantastic job" this season. After giving a pep talk to the finalists which included Nick & Sharna; Alek & Lindsay; and Bindi & Derek, Goodman said that he's "coming back next season."
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The next day, Goodman took to his social media (via Cinema Blend) to further announce his return.
"Back on DWTS season 22. So nice people are welcoming me back. Be careful what you wish for," his Twitter post reads.
The two-hour finale night saw Bindi Irwin, the 17-year-old and daughter to the late Steve Irwin, win the mirrorball trophy with the help of her pro-partner Derek Hough.
Her victory didn't come unexpected as fans of the show have long been rooting for the Australian to grab the spot.
In her victory statement (via USAToday.com) , the young wildlife expert said that joining the competition has enabled her to "grow and touch on parts of [her life] that [she] never thought [she] would really go to," as well as share the "journey and story with so many others."
To her partner, Miss Irwin said she felt "really blessed" to have another brother "who's been so special."
In a post-victory interview with the network's morning show, "Good Morning America," the young conservationist revealed that she'd be going back to Australia to be with the animals and to continue her work in preserving the wildlife.
ABC.com meanwhile announced that "Dancing With The Stars" Season 22 will return in 2016 on Monday, March 21 at 8/7c with a two-hour premiere special.
Stay tuned for more updates.
