Strictly Come Dancing is expected to honour Ann Widdecombe with a special tribute when the new series launches, following her death on July 9. The former MP and Strictly contestant was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested a 28-year-old white British man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that officers remain "open-minded" about a motive but confirmed there is no threat to the wider public and no indication the attack was politically motivated or terrorism-related.
Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke Request Tribute
Strictly judges Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke, who partnered with Widdecombe on the show in 2010, have requested a tribute for the late star. 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."
Tributes from Strictly Colleagues
Craig Revel Horwood 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."
Ann Widdecombe's Political Career and Strictly Legacy
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald, holding ministerial roles under Sir John Major. A staunch Eurosceptic, she backed Vote Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum, later joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP until 2020. In 2023, she joined Reform UK and featured at its conference as immigration spokesperson. On Strictly, she was paired with Anton Du Beke and reached the semi-finals thanks to public votes. Police have confirmed they are no longer seeking any other individuals in connection with her death.
