Strictly Come Dancing judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have asked BBC bosses to produce a tribute episode honouring Ann Widdecombe, following her murder at her home in Devon. The 78-year-old former politician and Strictly legend was found dead last week, and police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder.
Ann Widdecombe's Strictly Legacy
Widdecombe famously appeared on the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Anton Du Beke. Their humorous routines became a beloved part of the show's history. According to a source speaking to The Sun, both judges were keen to flag the idea to producers, who agreed that viewers would love to revisit Ann's special moments. Bosses are likely to air a montage of her performances.
Tributes from Judges and Friends
Craig Revel Horwood, who worked with Widdecombe on theatre projects, said: "I grew to admire and care for her enormously. Ann was warm, wickedly funny, deeply intelligent, and a genuinely joyous presence to be around. What happened to her is unimaginably cruel... I came to know a woman who bore little resemblance to many of the assumptions I had once made about her."
Anton Du Beke also spoke of their friendship: "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."
Piers Morgan's Tribute
Piers Morgan, who interviewed Widdecombe for his Life Stories show, said: "What a horrendous way for such a wonderful character’s life to end. Ann was an absolute tour de force - opinionated, combative, fearless, principled, and highly intelligent. She loved a good argument but was great fun too. I didn’t agree with some of her views or politics, but she never demanded that I did. She believed free speech was the cornerstone of democracy."
Morgan added that they texted each other from time to time, most recently when both had falls and ended up in hospital. He noted that she sustained her injury rescuing a mouse from her cat, calling it typical of her character. He ended: "It’s just awful to think of how harrowing her last moments must have been. My deepest condolences to all Ann’s family. RIP."
