Ann Widdecombe's £600,000 home was featured in detail on an auction TV show aired less than a week before her alleged murder. The former politician and Strictly contestant, 78, was found dead in a pool of blood at her remote Dartmoor bungalow on Thursday after she stopped responding to texts and calls.
TV Show Aired Days Before Death
Miss Widdecombe's whitewashed home in Haytor was broadcast on an episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House on July 2 on QuestTV, according to The Sun, citing TV listings. The episode showed her welcoming host Angus Ashworth at her front door and giving a full tour of the remodelled home, including the entrance, garden, conservatory, gym, library, kitchen and dining room. She told the show she chose the location 'quite deliberately to be as remote as I could, as was sensible.' The episode originally aired in 2022 and was repeated at 6pm five days before her death.
There is no suggestion that the airing inspired or led to her death. Metro has approached QuestTV's owner Warner Bros Discovery for comment.
Murder Investigation and Arrest
Her alleged murder has sparked speculation over a motive, prompting police to issue a plea due to 'distressing' rumours. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested in connection with her death on Saturday night. Counter-terrorism detectives have since taken the lead after new evidence came to light.
One neighbour claimed to have seen the 28-year-old hide a 'wooden stick or an iron bar' under his t-shirt before driving nearly 300 miles south to Dartmoor. Neighbours said the man had changed after his father's death before Christmas. Rayed Astle, 26, a neighbour, told the Daily Mail: 'He was someone you'd have a conversation with but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn't really speak to anyone.'
Political Background and Reactions
Miss Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and member of Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, joined Reform UK as its immigration spokesperson in 2023. Nigel Farage said the party is trawling through emails for abuse patterns but has found nothing. Reform's Richard Tice described her as an 'absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime.'
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the attack took place on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12:30pm. She stopped responding to text messages at 12:19pm and missed a scheduled Zoom appearance on Channel 5. A producer repeatedly messaged her but the WhatsApps went unanswered.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the force is not looking for a second suspect and there is no risk to the wider public. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed taking the lead after new evidence, and the 28-year-old was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
