Police in England have confirmed that a 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder in the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former British Member of Parliament and a well-known figure on UK reality TV shows.
Widdecombe’s body was discovered on Thursday at her home in Dartmoor, Devon, with what officials described as ‘serious injuries.’
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the suspected killing was not believed to be an act of terrorism nor politically motivated, despite Widdecombe’s hard-right, pro-Brexit, and anti-LGBTQ stances.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his thoughts and sympathies to Widdecombe’s family and friends, stating, ‘This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.’
Ann Widdecombe’s Life and Career
Ann Widdecombe was a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, representing the Kent constituency of Maidstone. She later became a member of the pro-Brexit Reform UK party in 2019 and served as a Member of the European Parliament in 2019 and 2020.
Widdecombe’s outspoken right-wing conservatism made her a frequent presence on UK news programs, and she gained mainstream recognition by participating in reality TV shows such as Celebrity Fit Club, Have I Got News for You, Cleverdicks, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, and others.
In 2007, she appeared as herself in an episode of Doctor Who, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment world.
Controversies Surrounding Ann Widdecombe
Widdecombe was no stranger to controversy, even on the reality shows. In 2018, during her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, she criticized Meghan Markle in terms that were widely interpreted as racist.
In a conversation with a housemate, Widdecombe said, ‘I think she’s trouble. Background… attitude, I worry. I add it all up and I’m uneasy.’
The comments were featured in Netflix’s 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, sparking further debate and discussion about Widdecombe’s remarks.
Reaction to Ann Widdecombe’s Death
Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe’s dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and now a show judge, posted a video on social media expressing his shock and sadness at her passing.
‘I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing,’ Du Beke said. ‘She became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing. We had an incredible time together.’
He continued, ‘This is a sad day, and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing, but I shall remember her fondly and miss her.’
Widdecombe’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the UK, with many expressing their condolences to her family and friends.
