“SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN 79 TODAY…” — ANN WIDDECOMBE’S STRICTLY MEMORIES HIT DIFFERENT NOW

On what would have been her 79th birthday, fans are remembering the unforgettable woman who brought laughter, determination and plenty of surprises to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.

Ann Widdecombe would have turned 79 today.

Born on October 4, 1947, the former politician and television personality became one of the most unexpected stars of Strictly Come Dancing when she stepped onto the ballroom floor in 2010.

Today, those familiar performances carry a very different feeling.

Widdecombe died at her home in Devon in July 2026, aged 78, leaving behind a career that stretched from Westminster politics to television — and a collection of Strictly memories that fans continue to look back on with affection.

THE POLITICIAN WHO AGREED TO DANCE

When Ann joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, she was already a familiar face in British public life.

She had spent more than two decades as a Conservative MP before leaving Parliament that year.

But on Strictly, viewers saw a very different side of her.

Paired with professional dancer Anton Du Beke, Widdecombe became one of the show’s most memorable contestants — not because she was a natural ballroom dancer, but because she was willing to throw herself into the experience.

She openly embraced the comedy of her performances and appeared happy to laugh at herself.

The judges often gave her low scores, but the public continued to support her.

Widdecombe and Anton ultimately made it to week 10, becoming the ninth couple eliminated from the competition.

ANTON DU BEKE NEVER FORGOT THEIR TIME TOGETHER

Following Widdecombe’s death, Anton paid an emotional tribute to his former dance partner.

He described their time together as brilliant and said that Ann had become a real friend.

He remembered her as fun, upbeat, positive and supportive — someone who was willing to enter into the spirit of the show.

Anton said he was “devastated” by her death and would remember her fondly and miss her.

Their partnership became one of the defining memories of Widdecombe’s television career.

For many viewers, seeing the famously serious politician attempt complicated choreography alongside Anton was simply unforgettable.

 SHE WAS NEVER AFRAID TO LOOK SILLY

Perhaps what made Ann’s Strictly appearances so memorable was her complete willingness to abandon the seriousness associated with her political career.

She once explained that she loved the show partly because there were no political consequences to getting a dance wrong.

If she fell over or made a mistake, she joked, nobody suffered.

That attitude allowed viewers to see her personality beyond Westminster.

She could be stubborn, outspoken and controversial — but she could also laugh at herself.

And Strictly gave millions of viewers the chance to see exactly that.

A LIFE THAT WENT FAR BEYOND THE BALLROOM

Widdecombe’s public life stretched across decades.

She served as a Conservative MP from 1987 until 2010, held ministerial positions under Prime Minister John Major, later became an MEP for the Brexit Party and eventually joined Reform UK.

She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Have I Got News for You, Doctor Who and other television programmes.

But for a generation of television viewers, another image remains particularly powerful:

Ann Widdecombe in a ballroom dress, standing beside Anton Du Beke and attempting another dance.

HER FINAL CHAPTER

Widdecombe’s death came suddenly.

She was found at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9, 2026, after sustaining serious injuries. Police launched a murder investigation, and Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. The case remains a matter for the courts.

Her death shocked both the political world and the entertainment community.

Anton was among those who publicly remembered the woman he had once guided around the Strictly dance floor.

“SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN 79 TODAY”

Now, on what would have been Ann Widdecombe’s 79th birthday, the ballroom memories carry a deeper poignancy.

The music.

The costumes.

The determined steps.

The laughter.

And Anton beside her, patiently guiding her through another routine.

Ann is no longer here to celebrate another birthday.

But those moments remain — preserved on television and in the memories of the viewers who watched her step outside her comfort zone and simply give it a go.

For many fans, that may be the way they choose to remember her:

Not only as the politician she was, but as the woman who walked onto the Strictly dance floor, made millions smile, and was never afraid to make a fool of herself. 🤍