Baroness Jacqui Smith, the former Labour Home Secretary turned Strictly Come Dancing contestant, has announced her engagement to long-term partner Professor Graham Timmins. The couple, who have been together for six years, are set to tie the knot this August.
From Westminster to the Wedding Aisle
The news was revealed by Smith's friend and podcast co-host, Iain Dale, during a discussion on the Where Politics Meets History podcast. When asked about summer weddings he would be attending, Dale confirmed: "Jacqui Smith. She and Page Three Boy are getting married." He later gushed about the couple, describing them as "absolutely smitten" and calling Timmins a "lovely, lovely guy."
Smith, who serves as a government minister in the Department for Education, was seen in the House of Lords on Monday proudly displaying her engagement ring. The 57-year-old entered a new relationship in 2020, nine months after separating from her husband of 33 years, Richard Timney, with whom she has two children.
Defying the Strictly Curse
Her appearance on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with professional dancer Anton du Beke, sparked the usual rumours of the infamous 'Strictly curse.' However, Smith was quick to dismiss any concerns at the time. Speaking to The Guardian, she said, "I won't have it said that Anton is not gorgeous. But he is happily married and I am in a newish, but lovely, relationship. Trust us, there will be no Strictly curse."
Her stint on the show was brief; she was the first celebrity eliminated in a series shortened to nine weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. She lost the dance-off to former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing. Despite her early exit, she praised du Beke as "an absolute joy to be with" and commended the show's production team.
A Life in the Public Eye
Jacqui Smith made history in 2007 when Gordon Brown appointed her as Britain's first female Home Secretary. Her political career, however, faced controversy. She resigned from the post in 2009 after apologising for wrongly claiming £116,000 in second home allowances. It later emerged that expenses claims included pay-per-view adult movies watched by her then-husband, Richard Timney, who ran her constituency office.
Reflecting on the end of her 33-year marriage, Smith stated she was "enormously sad" but grateful for the family and career they shared. She has since rebuilt her life, finding love with academic Professor Timmins, whom she will marry this summer.
