Len Goodman is best known on these shores for being “Head Judge Len” in Strictly Come Dancing – but across the Atlantic, his fans have been missing seeing him on Dancing With The Stars.

But now he is set for a return to the US version of the ballroom show, revealing in a taped message on the finale of the latest series: “Listen up! Len is coming back next season.”

The 71-year-old dance expert decided to opt out of the American show this time around so he could concentrate on Strictly in the UK. He has also recently had knee surgery.

Filming both shows, as he has done in the past, involves a punishing regime, with Len having to jet to the US and back every week.

Len Goodman
(Ian West/PA)

But in a taped message shown on DWTS, he said: “I’ve been watching the show from the UK, and I must say everyone has been doing a fantastic job. Now you finalists, I want you go to give it your all in these last dances.

“As for the pros, I’ve got to mention for you as well — listen up! — Len is coming back next season, and I don’t want any of your nonsense.”

To professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, he said: “Val, stop pulling that face! Now may the best couple win, and happy holidays!”

In the US, Len has the reputation for being the most strict judge on the panel, according to E! Online – a position held by Craig Revel Horwood in the UK.

Fellow Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli is also on the DWTS judging panel, and is joined by Julianne Hough and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Since Len quit, his position has not been permanently filled, with a series of guest judges taking his seat.

Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing
Len Goodman on Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC)