Piers Morgan has written a heartbreaking tribute to Ann Widdecombe following her death at the age of 78, describing the former Conservative MP and Strictly Come Dancing star as an “absolute tour de force.”
News of Widdecombe’s death broke earlier today, with her management team confirming she died at her home in Devon. Police have since arrested a 26-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder, with an ongoing investigation into the circumstances.
Morgan’s Emotional Instagram Post
Taking to Instagram, Morgan expressed being “so shocked and saddened” by the loss. He wrote: “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 recalled their professional collaborations, including her appearance on his Life Stories show, where she was “searingly honest and wonderfully entertaining,” and their joint appearance on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, during which she “regularly berated me to the audience’s delight.” He also noted they “locked horns many times on Good Morning Britain and Uncensored.”
Personal Anecdotes and Final Moments
Morgan shared a personal touch: “We also texted each other from time to time, most recently when we both had nasty falls and ended up in hospital around the same time. She sustained her injury rescuing a mouse from her cat. That was typical Ann… a fiery feisty and often hilariously funny battle-axe (she’d take description as a compliment) on air, a heart of gold off air.”
He concluded: “It’s just awful to think of how harrowing her last moments must have been. My deepest condolences to all Ann’s family. RIP.”
Widespread Tributes and Investigation
A number of famous faces have since paid tribute, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke.
Widdecombe’s agent released a statement: “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.”
A police spokesperson confirmed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, adding that there is no information to suggest it was politically motivated. “While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism. This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”
