Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has paid an emotional tribute to former politician and Strictly contestant Ann Widdecombe, following the news of her murder. The 61-year-old dancer and choreographer shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, describing Widdecombe as 'warm, wickedly funny, deeply intelligent, and a genuinely joyous presence'.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her bungalow in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning. She had sustained at least one serious head wound and was discovered covered in blood. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released without charge. Devon and Cornwall Police are now piecing together her movements after she missed a TV appearance last week.
Craig Revel Horwood's Tribute
In his Instagram post, Horwood posted a picture of himself in drag with Widdecombe in costume. 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 added: '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.'
Anton Du Beke's Devastation
Anton Du Beke, who was partnered with Widdecombe on Strictly in 2010, also paid tribute. He said: '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.'
Piers Morgan's Memories
Piers Morgan, who interviewed Widdecombe for his Life Stories show and appeared with her on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, called her 'an absolute tour de force'. He wrote: 'Ann was 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.' He recalled that they texted recently after both had falls, noting she sustained her injury rescuing a mouse from her cat.
Ashley James' Reflection
Ashley James, who knew Widdecombe from Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, said: 'Ann Widdecombe and I couldn't have been more different politically. We clashed a lot in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and there are many of her views I fundamentally disagreed with, particularly on LGBTQ+ rights.' However, she added: 'I have such fond memories of doing her hair and makeup in the house. She'd never have admitted it, but I think, somewhere deep deep deep down, she enjoyed being fussed over. Those moments reminded me that people are often more complicated than the opinions they're known for.' James said the lesson Widdecombe gave her to stop trying to please everyone has stayed with her.
Police Investigation
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP who later became a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson, lived alone in Haytor. She was reportedly discovered by a carer. The 26-year-old suspect, a white British man, was released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation. Police are appealing for information about her movements in the days before her death.
