Piers Morgan leads tribute to 'charismatic, combative' Ann Widdecombe
Tributes have started pouring in for late politician and Strictly star Ann Widdecombe, who has died aged 78.
Piers Morgan has hailed Ann Widdecombe as a "charismatic, combative gem".
The 61-year-old journalist and TV host has led tributes to the former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star following her death aged 78.
He wrote on X: "RIP Ann Widdecombe, 78. A wonderfully no-nonsense, straight-talking, highly-opinionated British battle-axe.
"Ann was always a very feisty, combative interviewee, but always great fun too.
"Amid so many dreary politicians, she was a charismatic, combative gem."
The official account for 5's current affairs show Jeremy Vine also paid tribute to the late star, who made regular appearances over the years.
They wrote: "Today, we woke up to the sad news that Ann Widdecombe has passed away aged 78.
"She was a friend of the programme, a regular panellist and 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.
"Farewell to an icon."
The political world has also remembered the late Conservative party minister.
Labour health secretary James Murray told Times Radio: "I can't say I always agreed with her views, but she was such a part of our politics."
He added that "everyone can recognise the contribution that she made to politics".
Between 2019 and 2020, she was a Brexit Party MEP for South West England, before joining Reform UK in 2023.
Party leader Nigel Farage told Talk TV: "She is the best known female politician since Margaret Thatcher, I don't think anyone else comes close.
"And the fact that she was sporting, to do Strictly Come Dancing, all of that - Big Brother. She was touring the country doing one woman shows."
He added: "She loved meeting people. She was very gregarious."
Widdecombe's agents, Cloud 9 Management, confirmed her passing on Friday (10.07.26) morning.
They said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of The Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe, DSG.
"We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends."
Widdecombe, who was known for her honest opinions, was Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, from 1987 until 2010, and she had several ministerial positions, including Shadow Home Secretary and Minister of State for Prisons, under former Prime Minister John Major, in the 1990s.
Although best known as a politician, Widdecombe became an even bigger household name in during her Strictly stint in 2010, when she was paired with Anton Du Beke.
Despite regularly scoring low marks with the judges, the pair managed to reach Week 10 before they were eliminated, and returned for the Strictly Christmas special in 2018.
Widdecombe also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, finishing runner-up to winner Courtney Act in series 21.
During the series, she was criticised over her comments regarding the Harvey Weinstein controversy
The late star's other TV credits include hosting Have I Got News For You twice, in 2006 and 2007, which resulted in comedian Paul Merton dubbing her as the "queen of comedy", while she also appeared on the likes of BBC's Songs of Praise, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and The Crystal Maze.
