Widdecombe Death Probe
Anton Du Beke Mourns Ann Widdecombe; Police Investigate Death of Former Strictly Partner
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Key Points
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The 2010 Strictly Come Dancing pairing of Ann Widdecombe and Anton Du Beke advanced to the quarter-finals, marking one of the show's memorable runs for Widdecombe.
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Ann Widdecombe’s career extended beyond politics into reformist circles after leaving Parliament: Conservative MP (1987–2010), Eurosceptic who supported Vote Leave, later Brexit Party MEP (2019–2020), and joined Reform UK in 2023 as immigration spokesperson.
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Widdecombe’s on-show moments are remembered for her comedic grit, including a Charleston routine remembered for its playful chaos (often described with imagery of her being dragged around the floor) and her distinctive knee-length leggings under frocks.
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There was a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death, with officials and a press conference anticipated, and her representatives offering condolences to her family.
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Anton Du Beke publicly honored Widdecombe in a tribute posted to Instagram, describing the death as the saddest news and noting that she became a real friend during their time on Strictly.
Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Reform UK immigration spokesperson, has died at 78 — and police are treating her death as murder, according to Yahoo News. The news sent shockwaves through British politics and television, with a murder investigation under way and a press conference from authorities anticipated.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke was among the first to speak out publicly. He described the news as "the saddest" he had heard, saying Widdecombe had become a "real friend" during their time together on the show, Yahoo News reported.
Anton Du Beke Calls Her Death 'The Saddest News'
Du Beke posted a tribute to Instagram saying he was "devastated" by Widdecombe's passing. The Strictly judge, who partnered her on the 2010 series, said she was bright, supportive, and fun. He stressed their bond went well beyond the dance floor and that she had become a genuine friend, according to Yahoo News.
Martin Daubney, host on The People's Channel and a close colleague of Widdecombe, was also visibly emotional. He described her as "the kindest person" he knew, GB News reported. Daubney called the moment "chilling," reflecting just how sudden and shocking the news was for those who knew her personally.
Their 2010 Strictly Run Became a Fan Favourite
Widdecombe and Du Beke made it to the quarter-finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. The pairing became one of the show's most talked-about. Widdecombe was not a trained dancer, but her comedy and grit won over viewers. Her Charleston routine — often described as chaotic and joyful — became one of the most remembered moments in the show's history.
She was known for wearing knee-length leggings under her dance frocks. Judges gave her mixed scores, but the public kept voting her through. Du Beke later said the fun and warmth they shared during those weeks stayed with him long after the show ended, according to Yahoo News.
A Political Career Spanning Four Decades
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010. She held senior roles in the party and was a vocal Eurosceptic. She backed the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum. In 2019, she became a Brexit Party MEP, serving until 2020.
She joined Reform UK in 2023 as an immigration spokesperson. Her move to Reform came as the party grew in public profile. Politicians from across the spectrum shared their shock at her death, Yahoo News reported, with tributes pouring in from both former colleagues and opponents.
Murder Probe Launched as Representatives Offer Condolences
Police launched a murder investigation into the circumstances of Widdecombe's death. Authorities were expected to hold a press conference with further details, according to Yahoo News. The nature and location of her death had not been fully disclosed at the time of initial reports.
Her representatives issued a statement offering condolences to her family. The tributes from Du Beke, Daubney, and senior politicians point to just how large a figure Widdecombe remained — more than a decade after leaving Parliament and long after her Strictly debut made her a household name all over again.
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