Anton du Beke made his first public appearance at the Henley Festival in Berkshire just hours after sharing his heartbreak over the murder of his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Ann Widdecombe. The 60-year-old dancer smiled for cameras and mingled with guests at the star-studded event, despite the recent tragedy.
Ann Widdecombe Found Dead at Home
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon on Thursday morning. The former Conservative MP, who later served as a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson, lived alone. She was discovered covered in blood with at least one serious head wound. Police are treating her death as a murder investigation, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Anton Breaks Silence on 'Devastating' Loss
Anton broke his silence on Ann's death shortly before the festival appearance, posting on social media: "Hi, my loves, the saddest of news we’ve heard today of the passing of the lovely Ann Widdecombe. 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." He added: "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."
Unlikely Friendship Forged on Strictly
The pair formed an unlikely friendship when they competed together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Ann, known for her outspoken political career, was partnered with Anton despite admitting she had little dancing ability. They often ranked low on the judges' leaderboard but became one of the series' most memorable partnerships due to their humour and affection. Their performances divided opinion, but viewers embraced them, and they remained close after the show.
Craig Revel Horwood Also Pays Tribute
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, 61, also paid tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of himself in drag with Ann. He wrote: "After Anne’s time on Strictly Come Dancing, I had the privilege of working with her for several years on theatre tours and a variety of other projects. During that time, I came to know a woman who bore little resemblance to many of the assumptions I had once made about her." He noted their political differences but said: "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 Anne. You will be greatly missed."
Ann Widdecombe's Legacy
Ann Widdecombe first rose to prominence as a Conservative MP before becoming a familiar face on British television. Alongside her political career, she appeared on programmes including Celebrity Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing, where she won over many viewers with her determination and self-deprecating humour despite her lack of dance experience. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew and worked alongside her.
