Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie has shared a sad admission as she honoured her former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Ann Widdecombe, revealing that she had intended to telephone the politician before her passing. The former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman has died aged 78, it was announced on Friday, July 10.
Ann Widdecombe's Legacy and Public Service
A statement from her representatives expressed sympathies to her family and friends, and continued to say that her life and career were "driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service" and that Ann loved the "cut and thrust of political debate" and was "still actively campaigning for Reform UK" after departing Parliament 16 years ago. It also highlighted Ann's "unforgettable" appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, "defying the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke".
Amanda Barrie's Tribute on Good Morning Britain
During an appearance on Good Morning Britain with Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway, Amanda paid tribute to Ann, following their time on Celebrity Big Brother together. She began: "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, she 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."
Memories from the Celebrity Big Brother House
Amanda went on to recall 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!"
Amanda went on: "I can't think of anyone who would be more cross than Ann to think that she's not here. She would be really cross because that little head and all her knowledge and everything else, there was a lot of goodness in Ann and I stand by that."
A Sad Confession and Urgent Plea
As she concluded her interview, she made a sad confession about having not 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.
