Coronation Street actress Amanda Barrie has paid a heartfelt tribute to her former Celebrity Big Brother co-star Ann Widdecombe, who died at the age of 78. During an appearance on Good Morning Britain, Barrie admitted she had intended to ring the politician before her passing and urged viewers to call their loved ones while they still can.
Ann Widdecombe's Death Announced
The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson died on Friday, July 10, as confirmed by a statement from her representatives. The statement expressed condolences to her loved ones and noted that her life and career were "driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service." It highlighted that Ann relished the "cut and thrust of political debate" and was "still actively campaigning for Reform UK" after retiring from Parliament 16 years ago.
The statement also acknowledged Ann's "unforgettable" performances on Strictly Come Dancing, where she "defied the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke." In addition to reaching the semi-finals of Strictly in 2010, Ann was a runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, which was won by Courtney Act.
Amanda Barrie's Emotional Tribute
During her appearance on Good Morning Britain with Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway, Amanda Barrie shared her memories of Ann Widdecombe, with whom she starred on Celebrity Big Brother. Barrie said: "We could not be more diametrically opposed on gay rights, on politics, on Brexit, on everything. We really were completely different, miles apart, and yet we actually bonded and I found her to be... that big bulldog frontage and inside was a really kind person. She was really kind to me at one point on Big Brother, and we just made friends."
Discussing how they maintained a friendship despite their differences, Barrie continued: "I think there wouldn't be any wars if people behaved more like that, I don't think we ever discussed any of those things in depth, we had a tremendous amount of laughs, I was truly fond of her."
Barrie recalled their time in the Celebrity Big Brother house together, saying: "We used to frighten her in the dormitory, I used to say, 'let's all go and give Ann a goodnight kiss,' and she would scream!" She added: "She actually thought she could control Big Brother! Because they used to leave the lights on at night, and it would just be the two of us in there at that point, and she used to get out of bed!"
A Plea to Viewers
As she concluded her interview, Barrie made a sad confession about not having rung Ann recently, urging viewers to speak to their loved ones while they have the chance. She said: "I really was fond of her, and may I just say to anybody today, I'd been meaning to ring her up and that happened to somebody else. So anybody today who has got anybody, don't not ring them up, just pick up the phone today."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
