Former Strictly star and ex-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith engaged
Former Strictly Come Dancing star and ex-Home Secretary Baroness Jacqui Smith has got engaged to Professor Graham Timmins, and the couple are to marry this August.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Baroness Jacqui Smith has got engaged.
The ex-Home Secretary - who is a government minister in the Department of Education - is to marry Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy, this August.
During a discussion on the Where Politics Meets History podcast, co-host Iain Dale, who is Jacqui's friend, was asked whose upcoming nuptials he is attending this summer, and he replied: "Jacqui Smith.
"She and Page Three Boy are getting married."
Iain gushed over the couple, admitting they are "absolutely smitten".
He added: "She told me just after Christmas and I was really pleased for her, because Graham, which is Page Three Boy's name, he's a lovely, lovely guy.
"They're absolutely smitten and devoted to each other."
Jacqui - who was Britain’s first female Home Secretary - has two sons with her ex-husband Richard Timney, but the pair announced their split in January 2020 after 33 years of marriage.
Her romance with Graham was revealed amid her 2020 Strictly stint, when she partnered then-professional dancer Anton Du Beke in season 18.
Jacqui was Anton's last celebrity partner, before he joined the judging panel for the 19th series.
During the series - which ran for just nine weeks instead of the usual 13, due to the coronavirus pandemic - Jacqui was eliminated first after losing the dreaded dance-off to former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, who went on to be one of the runners-up in the series.
Speaking after the result, Jacqui said: "I’ve had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine.
"I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man, who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to work with.
"But I don’t feel too much shame losing to these guys, because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers. They really are. I’ll be watching you and supporting you!"
The political commentator also spoke highly of her dance partner, as well as the team behind the scenes of the show.
She added: "He’s an absolute joy to be with. I’m so pleased and proud to have spent this time with him.
"And to everybody on the programme - I mean, I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that puts this programme together.
"And if ever we needed Strictly, we need it now. So thank you so much."
