Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Strictly Come Dancing star, has died aged 78, her management team announced – prompting a wave of celebratory posts from hard-left activists and a scathing attack from veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell.
Widdecombe’s death was confirmed on Friday by Cloud9 Management, who called her a “consummate professional” and said she was “indefatigable to the last”. In a statement, they said: “It is with great shock and sadness that today we announced the passing of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe DSG, aged 78.”
“Ann Widdecombe dies at 78; hard-left activists celebrate, Peter Tatchell brands her a 'bigot'.”
Within hours of the news breaking, left-wing figures took to social media to express glee, with Tatchell branding her a “BIGOT!” in a post. The reaction underscored the deeply polarising legacy of a politician who spent 23 years as Conservative MP for Maidstone, served as prisons minister under John Major, and later quit the Tories to join the Brexit Party in 2019 before becoming a Reform UK supporter in 2023.
But to many, Widdecombe was better known for her comedic television appearances. Partnered with Anton Du Beke on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, she became a fan favourite despite near-permanent low scores from the judges. The public repeatedly voted to keep her in, propelling her to sixth place. She later came runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
Cloud9 Management’s statement highlighted a woman who “loved the cut and thrust of political debate” and took every opportunity life offered. “As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, ‘we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.’” That philosophy led her to perform at the Royal Opera House, star in pantomime with Craig Revel Horwood and Basil Brush, and host her own Sky Atlantic quiz show, Cleverdicks.
Her management added: “For many, of course, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, defying the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke.”
The news of her death has reopened old divisions. While some mourn a woman of strong Christian values and animal charity work, others have seized on her outspoken views – a split that seems likely to define her memory. Cloud9 Management said they “will miss her greatly”. The question of whether her legacy will be remembered for her political battles or her dancing routines – or the hateful reactions that followed her death – remains unresolved.
