Ann Widdecombe was discovered deceased at her residence (Image: GETTY)
In what sadly turned out to be her final column for Best Magazine, Ann Widdecombe revealed poignant details that now carry a greater weight. The 78-year-old was tragically found dead in her Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon home on Thursday. Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor described the shocking event as a “targeted attack” on the former politician.
Authorities have taken a 28-year-old individual into custody, initially suspected of murdering the ex-Daily Express columnist. The individual has since been re-detained on allegations related to terrorism activities involving commission, preparation, or instigation of such acts.
After concluding her 23-year-long career in Parliament following the 2010 general election, Ann Widdecombe transitioned into a new role as a Reform spokesperson, engaging fans by delving into the entertainment industry.
In the same year of her retirement, she captured public attention by participating in Strictly Come Dancing with partner Anton Du Beke, and later showcased her versatility by making her pantomime debut in 2011.
Ann Widdecombe made her panto debut in 2011 (Image: GETTY)
Ann’s first stint on the panto stage saw her star as the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford alongside Craig Revel Horwood. She returned to the show in 2018, following her stint on Celebrity Big Brother.
In her final column for Best Magazine before her death, Ann shared the heartfelt reason why she enjoyed pantomime so much.
“Whenever people ask me what I most enjoyed about doing pantomime I reply that, for four or five weeks, all I heard was the sound of children laughing,” she wrote.
“Kids laugh at anything and it is one of the best sounds in the world.
The politician with her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke (Image: GETTY)
“When I lived near Fulham football ground, I grumbled mightily at the traffic but out in the garden I used to grin as we would hear the build-up to a goal and then either a roar of delight or a huge groan. Football is fine as long as I don’t have to watch,” she added.
Ann previously joked that she got a taste of panto through her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking to us, she said: “I thought it would go one of two ways, either I’d get voted out the first week because I’m terrible or I would be kept in for a laugh. We are the pantomime act but we give good panto, I hope.”
The former politician went on to say she “never expected” the public to be so warm towards her.
“They actually seem to like us. Of course they want to see what Anton and I can dream up next but it’s not cruel, it’s affectionate,” she added.
Ann was also a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 (Image: GETTY)
“Mind you people come up and ask for my autograph and then look over my shoulder and see Anton and completely forget about me.”
Anton is among the many people who have paid tribute to Ann following her death. In an emotional video shared on Instagram, he told fans he had “the most brilliant time” with her on Strictly.
“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.”