Val Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, and Others 'Surprised' by Len Goodman's Departure

Ballroom changes have the pros worried. Val Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, and others react to Len Goodman's DWS exit.

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"I'm shocked. Chmerkovskiy told Us Weekly after the show aired on November 14. "I believe I'll miss familiarity. Pre-show, I saw him.

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Before joining the show, he judged the British Open. He's such a vital voice and authority on Dancing With the Stars, and his British accent makes all the difference. I'll miss that.

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I hope they have his spirit. Maybe he could Skype in and do Len's corner or Len's recap since he'll be missed.”

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Slater said Goodman's announcement on Monday's broadcast "caught [her] off surprise"

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She stated, "It made me emotional." "I was surprised by my emotions."

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The season 24 winner thinks Goodman's seat should be filled.

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"I believe in honoring what others have done but accepting fresh personalities," Slater said. So let's make Len proud and have the show embrace someone fresh.

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Chmerkovskiy, a two-time champion who joined the competition in season 13, told reporters he's unclear if he should take over.

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