Police are continuing their search for a killer after the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, is being treated as murder. Her body was reportedly discovered in her bungalow in Haytor, on Dartmoor, on Saturday, having been there for approximately 24 hours. Detectives are prioritizing the identification of those responsible and are seeking a white male.
Widdecombe, a memorable contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2010 and a regular on television panels, was found to have sustained a serious head wound. While an initial arrest of a 26-year-old man was made, he has since been released and is no longer part of the investigation. Authorities have stated there is no current information to suggest the crime was politically motivated or terror-related.
Colleagues and public figures who knew Widdecombe have shared tributes, remembering her distinctive public persona and private kindness. Craig Revel Horwood, who worked with Widdecombe after her "Strictly" appearance, described her as "warm and wickedly funny," adding that he grew to "admire and care for her enormously." He noted that beneath her "formidable public persona" was a "kind and generous spirit."
Anton Du Beke, her professional dance partner on "Strictly Come Dancing," expressed his devastation, recalling their time together as "brilliant" and stating that she became a "real friend." He remembered her as fun, upbeat, supportive, and game to embrace the spirit of the show.
Piers Morgan described Widdecombe as a "charismatic, combative gem," a "wonderfully no-nonsense, straight-talking, highly-opinionated British battle-axe." He shared personal anecdotes, including a time they both had falls and ended up in hospital around the same time, noting her injury was sustained while rescuing a mouse. Morgan also highlighted her belief in free speech as a cornerstone of democracy.
Martin Frizell, reflecting on her media appearances, stated that "Agree or disagree with her politics, Ann Widdecombe had a sense of fun that more politicians could do with." Jeremy Vine remembered her as a "formidable politician who was never, ever afraid to express her views, but also had a great sense of humour and was always up for a laugh."
Amanda Barrie, who appeared with Widdecombe on "Celebrity Big Brother," noted their stark political and personal differences but said she "adored her." Barrie described Widdecombe as having a "a lot of goodness" beneath a public facade.
Widdecombe, who never married and had no children, was known for her controversial stances on social issues during her political career. She also participated in pantomime and theatre, including a role as the Evil Queen in "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs." Her last known public appearance was on Wednesday, where she reportedly discussed her support for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.