Former Tory MP and Strictly star Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

Ann Widdecombe, the former Tory MP who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78.

Her death was announced by her management, who said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”

A statement from Cloud9 Management, who represented Ann for more than a decade, said she would be “greatly” missed. 

“Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service,” it read. 

“She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving Parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes.

“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.

“As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy’.”

Ann’s early life and political career

Ann, who was born in Bath in 1947, studied philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Oxford and later worked for Unilever and as an administrator at the University of London.

She served as a Tory MP between 1987 and 2010 and was shadow home secretary under William Hague.

© WireImage

In 2019, she defected to the Brexit Party in protest against Britain’s failure to leave the European Union, and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.

She later became a spokesman for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

Ann was also known for her socially conservative views, such as her opposition to abortion, widening rights for the LGBT community and assisted dying.

Ann’s post-Commons career

In 2010, Ann appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Anton du Beke. The pair reached the semi-finals of the competition.

© Yui Mok – PA Images

Referencing her time on the show, her management company’s statement continued: “For many, of course, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, defying the judges week after week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke.

“A consummate professional and a delight to work with, indefatigable to the last, we know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way and our sympathies go to them and her family.”

Ann participated in the 21st series of Celebrity Big Brother, finishing in second place.