Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, is set to be honoured in a special tribute during the upcoming series of the BBC dance show, following her death on July 9, 2026. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, and Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation.
Murder Investigation Underway
Devon and Cornwall Police announced on Friday that they are treating Widdecombe's death as murder. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday, July 11, in connection with the case. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that officers remain "open-minded" about a potential motive and that there is "nothing to suggest it was politically motivated." He added that there is no threat to the wider public and that the attack is not believed to be terrorism-related.
Political Career and Brexit Role
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010, holding several ministerial positions under Sir John Major. A prominent Eurosceptic, she supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum. She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England until 2020, and became a member of Reform UK in 2023, acting as the party's immigration spokesperson.
Strictly Come Dancing Legacy
Widdecombe appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, partnered with Anton Du Beke, now a judge on the show. The pair reached the semi-finals thanks to public votes. According to a source close to The Sun, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke have requested a tribute for Widdecombe in the new series. The source said: "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 Judges
Craig Revel Horwood shared a heartfelt tribute, saying: "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 added: "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."
