Strictly Come Dancing judge, Anton Du Beke, was partnered with former Tory MP and Reform UK spokesperson, Ann Widdecombe, on the BBC series back in 2010
Strictly star, Anton Du Beke, has paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe following the news of her death today. The former Tory MP, 78, was partnered with the ballroom legend on the show back in 2010 when she made it through to week nine thanks to her sheer grit and comedy appeal.
After Strictly, Anton praised the controversial character, saying he had greatly enjoyed dancing with the former Reform UK spokesperson. After waltzing around the dance floor sporting a pair of knee-length leggings under her frocks, the Celebrity Fit Club star developed a soft spot for the father-of-two, who would go on to become Strictly’s judge.
Praising Ann today as fans reacted to news of her death, 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.
“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.”
Despite her constant low marks from the judges, the former MP won the support of viewers on Strictly, earning her an impressive nine weeks on the show, performing routines strongly flavoured by comedy, before she was eliminated.
Giving us some erasable memories, including one of Ann literally being dragged around the dance floor by an open-mouthed Anton in the Charleston, the star will be remembered as one of the show’s most entertaining competitors.
Ann recently revealed she “insisted on” wearing leggings that matched her multiple brightly coloured outfits to dodge wardrobe malfunctions when Anton whirled her around the dance floor.
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.”
In August 2024, Anton – who replaced Bruno Tonioli, 70, as judge in 2021 – said Ann was a “remarkable” dance partner. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, he recalled: “We had the most brilliant time, and I can say that about all of my partners.”
Ann’s death was confirmed on Friday in a statement from her management, which read: “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, Ann stayed in the public eye with prominent TV appearances. They included a Louis Theroux special in 2002, Celebrity Fit Club the same year, and a memorable run on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, when she partnered with Anton to survive nine weeks of competition.
The MP also had a memorable run on Celebrity Big Brother, finishing runner-up. Making quite the entrance, Ann won over viewers despite her controversial comments about gay marriage and convicted sex offender, Harvey Weinstein.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
