West Ham fans lead tributes to ‘top bloke’ Len Goodman with endearing Boleyn Ground memory of Strictly star

West Ham United fans have paid tributes to former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman after he passed away at the age of 78.

The star died on Saturday night in Kent after fighting bone cancer and has been remembered as a "warm entertainer who was adored by millions" by BBC Director-General Tim Davie.

Goodman was also a big West Ham fan, often speaking of his love for the club and supporters flocked to pay tribute to the man online after his passing was announced on Monday.

The West Ham United Supporters Trust led the messages and said: "Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Len Goodman, a lifelong Hammers fan. RIP."

Others on Twitter praised the "proper West Ham fan and top bloke" and mourned that "the West Ham family lost one of its own".

Another added: "RIP Len Goodman. Lovely bloke, big West Ham fan, especially after meeting him a number of times during my barman days in the castle suite at the Boleyn Ground."

One Hammers fan, Damien Charles Lucas, shared his story about "grade A gentleman" Goodman on Hammers.News.

Lucas met the Strictly star at Upton Park one day with Goodman sat in the row behind during a 6-0 victory over Brighton in 2012.

As fans chanted to demand more and more goals from their Hammers side after the sixth went in, Lucas admitted he "couldn't resist" asking the dancing judge how many goals he wanted.

A good-spirited Goodman chanted back his trademark "SEVEN" and had his fellow Hammers fans in the stand giggling with delight.

Stars of TV have also paid tribute to the star, including Piers Morgan who remembered Goodman's West Ham allegiances.

Morgan wrote: “More very sad news from the world of entertainment… RIP Len Goodman, 78 - welder, dancer, judge, and devoted cricket & West Ham fan. Always had a laugh with Len, and swapped a few strong opinions. A quintessential Londoner and a top bloke."