Craig Revel Horwood Remembers Ann Widdecombe

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 19, 2026

Craig Revel Horwood reflected on his friendship and collaborations with the late Ann Widdecombe, recalling their time on Strictly Come Dancing and in pantomime, shortly before her sudden death in July. Widdecombe’s murder has led to charges against a suspect, while Horwood plans to honor her memory with a charity performance as the new Strictly series premieres with updated hosts and a diverse celebrity lineup.

Craig Revel Horwood has shared his memories of the late Ann Widdecombe, reflecting on their friendship and professional collaborations following her participation in the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, was partnered with professional dancer Anton Du Beke during the show. Horwood, a long-standing Strictly judge, revealed that he last spoke with Widdecombe just days before her sudden death in July.

Horwood recounted that Widdecombe had asked him to perform at a charity event on her behalf, as she was unable to attend. Their exchange shortly before her passing was marked by a playful tone, with Widdecombe repeatedly writing the word “yippee.” Horwood described her as “an amazing human being” and expressed his intention to dedicate the charity performance to her memory.

Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, on July 8. Following an investigation, Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder.

Beyond Strictly, Horwood and Widdecombe worked together closely in pantomime for three years. Their joint appearances included productions such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” staged in Dartford in 2011, where Horwood played the Wicked Queen and Widdecombe portrayed a character known as “Widdy in Waiting.” Horwood said Widdecombe’s performances were full of humor and that their onstage dynamic was well-received by audiences. He also recalled a moment when Widdecombe helped him recover after forgetting his lines during a scene, which drew laughter from the crowd and underscored their friendly rapport.

As the new series of Strictly Come Dancing launched, Horwood returned to the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. This season marks a shift in hosting duties, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Johannes Radebe, a former professional dancer now stepping into a hosting role, spoke about the learning process and his excitement ahead of the launch show.

The celebrity lineup for this season includes a diverse group of contestants such as Love Island winners Dani Dyer-Bowen and Cach Mercer, actresses Lacey Turner, Melanie Walters, Jaime Winstone, and Bethany Antonia, former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, presenter Will Best, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, dog trainer Graeme Hall, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, Olympian Tabby Stoecker, and sports content creator John Nellis.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing began airing on BBC One at 7:25 p.m. Craig Revel Horwood’s book, The Book of Panto, will be published on October 8 by Faber & Faber.

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