Ann Widdecombe: Grumpy Old Woman

Seen on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ to be outspoken and controversial; Ann Widdecombe is one of the most high profile politicians of recent times. A self confessed “grumpy old woman”, Ann is never afraid to speak her mind, nor short of an opinion; which is exactly why she is in demand as a media personality and commentator.

Ann became a Member of Parliament in 1987; and was Minister of State for Employment and Minister of State for Prisons in John Major’s government. She also held the posts of Shadow Health Secretary and Shadow Home Secretary, before retiring at the 2010 General Election.

Strictly Come Dancing

Never one to do the expected, what she did next was surprising (even by her standards). At the age of 63, Ann became the oldest contestant ever on BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’; and despite never being a favourite with the judges, defied the odds with her dance partner Anton Du Beke, surviving 10 weeks into the contest. Her comedy inflected routines, showed a self deprecating sense of humour and won her legions of fans.

Other TV Work

But ‘Strictly’ has just been one of many forays on TV; in 2002 she took part in ‘Celebrity Fit Club’, becoming a judge in later series. In 2005 she fronted her own series ‘Ann Widdecombe To The Rescue’, and has since made shows on a wide range of subjects including: prostitution, “hoodies”, benefits culture, the Bible and more.

Ann Widdecombe: Presenter

As a presenter, Ann has twice sat in the host’s seat on ‘Have I Got News For You’; and asked very tricky questions on ‘Cleverdicks’ (Sky Atlantic). As well as her media stints, Ann is also in high demand for public speaking and some how finds time to be a prolific writer. She has a weekly column in the Daily Express, has written five novels. a detective story and her memoirs ‘Strictly Ann’.

Career Highlights

Other unlikely sojourns in Ann’s career have included; performing in Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment at London’s Royal Opera House in 2012 and playing in panto alongside Craig Revel Horwood. As she once said on The Graham Norton Show, “you only get one shot at life,” and Ann Widdecombe is making the most of hers!