Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly planning a special tribute to Ann Widdecombe following her tragic death last week. The former MP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday, July 9, with a murder inquiry subsequently opened by Devon and Cornwall Police. On Monday, July 13, counter-terrorism police took over the investigation after new information and evidence emerged, according to the Express. A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Proposed Tribute by Judges
Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke have reportedly proposed a tribute for Widdecombe, who participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 partnered with Du Beke. A source told The Sun: "Ann is a Strictly legend. Craig and Anton were keen to flag the idea to producers, who agreed viewers would love to revisit Ann's special moments. Bosses are likely to air a montage." Wales Online has contacted representatives of Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Heartfelt Tributes from Judges
Both judges shared emotional messages honoring the 78-year-old. Craig wrote: "Despite the seemingly irreconcilable differences in our political views, I grew to admire and care for her enormously. Anne was warm, wickedly funny, deeply intelligent, and a genuinely joyous presence to be around. Beneath the formidable public persona was a kind and generous spirit, and someone I am proud to have called a friend. What happened to her is unimaginably cruel. No one deserves such a horrific end. Rest in peace, darling Ann. You will be greatly missed."
Anton Du Beke said: "I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing. She became a real friend. She was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game - she wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing and we had an incredible time together. On behalf of myself and the whole @bbcstrictly family, we are devastated by the news and our thoughts go out to her nearest and dearest and her whole family. We will all remember her fondly and miss her. Anton x."
Political Career
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for the Kent seat of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, and held various ministerial positions under Sir John Major's government. She later became a member of the Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP for South West England in Brussels from 2019 to 2020. In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, succeeding the Brexit Party, and appeared at its party conference the following year as Reform's immigration spokesperson.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to the BBC later this year, with the tribute expected to air during the new series in September.
