Journalist JJ Anisiobi has shared his personal recollections of working with Ann Widdecombe, revealing a side of the former Conservative MP and television personality that few saw on screen. In a piece for the publication, Anisiobi described Widdecombe as "smart, witty and warm" off-camera, a stark contrast to her stern public image.
A Surprising Partnership at TalkTV
Anisiobi, who began his career as a showbiz journalist before moving into political reporting, joined the newly launched TalkTV as a presenter. Coming from an old Labour background, he was frequently paired with Conservative stalwarts for debates. Widdecombe was one of his regular opponents. While producers anticipated fiery clashes, what unfolded was a series of respectful exchanges. "We certainly had our differences - Brexit being the obvious one - yet we always disagreed agreeably," Anisiobi wrote.
Their conversations often drifted away from political rows toward a shared lament that politics had lost its way. Both felt that politicians once prioritized good governance over social media clips or soundbites.
Authenticity and Kindness Behind the Scenes
Anisiobi highlighted Widdecombe's authenticity as one of her greatest strengths. "She said what she believed, whether it was popular or not. You always knew where you stood with her," he noted. In an era of carefully managed politicians delivering rehearsed platitudes, Widdecombe remained refreshingly genuine.
Off camera, she defied the stern caricature many imagined. "She was warm, intelligent, witty and genuinely funny," Anisiobi recalled. By their fourth collaboration, she would greet him with a hug and ask after his son. "Those small acts of kindness tell you far more about a person than any television debate ever could," he added.
Shared Faith and Deeper Conversations
The pair also bonded over their Roman Catholic faith. They spent hours discussing Christianity, the direction of the modern Church, and challenges facing people of faith. While they didn't always agree on theological points, their dialogues were thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in a shared devotion to Christ.
Anisiobi concluded that politics could benefit from more figures like Widdecombe, who could argue passionately without making disagreement personal. "The Ann Widdecombe many people knew was the formidable parliamentarian, the uncompromising columnist and the fearless television debater. The Ann I knew was also charming, eloquent, exceptionally bright and generous with her time," he wrote.
