Ann Widdecombe: Brexit-backing, animal-loving Strictly star
Ann Widdecombe, a prominent British politician and reality television personality, has passed away at age 78. Known for her socially conservative views and tenure as a Conservative MP, she later transitioned into a successful career in entertainment.
Why it matters
Her career represents a unique intersection of traditional hardline politics and modern celebrity culture in the UK.
Image caption, Ann Widdecombe with her Strictly dance partner Anton Du Beke in 2010
Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister who defected to Reform UK, has died aged 78.
She was a household name even before she reinvented herself as a reality TV star, with a high profile spell on Strictly Come Dancing, known for her forthright views and no-nonsense attitude.
A leading figure on the right of British politics for decades, and an enthusiastic early backer of Brexit, she signed up for Strictly in 2010, shortly after leaving Parliament, having represented the Kent constituency of Maidstone for more than 20 years.
Not the most polished dancer - she described her own moves as "galumphing" - she made it to the semi-final before being knocked out.
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