Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has paid tribute to his former dance partner Ann Widdecombe following the news of her death at the age of 78. The former Tory MP and Reform UK spokesperson was partnered with the ballroom legend on the BBC series in 2010, surviving nine weeks of competition thanks to her sheer grit and comedy appeal.
Anton's Heartfelt Tribute
Praising Ann as fans reacted to the news, Anton said: "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. Anton x."
Memorable Strictly Moments
Despite constant low marks from the judges, Widdecombe won the support of viewers, earning an impressive nine weeks on the show. Her routines were strongly flavoured by comedy, including one memorable Charleston where she was literally dragged around the dance floor by an open-mouthed Anton. She will be remembered as one of the show's most entertaining competitors.
Widdecombe recently revealed she "insisted on" wearing knee-length matching leggings underneath her brightly coloured dresses to avoid wardrobe malfunctions when Anton whirled her around. Writing in her column for Best magazine, she said: "I was the dresser's nightmare on Strictly. I insisted on knee-length matching leggings underneath my dresses so that Anton could throw me about without either of us fearing a wardrobe malfunction."
Ann's Public Life and Death
Ann's death was confirmed in a statement from her management: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG. We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected."
After failing to become Conservative leader in 2001, Widdecombe stayed in the public eye with prominent TV appearances, including a Louis Theroux special in 2002, Celebrity Fit Club the same year, and a memorable run on Celebrity Big Brother where she finished runner-up. She also made headlines for her controversial comments about gay marriage and Harvey Weinstein.
In August 2024, Anton - who replaced Bruno Tonioli as judge in 2021 - called Ann a "remarkable" dance partner during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, recalling: "We had the most brilliant time, and I can say that about all of my partners."
