Ann Widdecombe, a former British Conservative Party politician, remains one of the most memorable contestants on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Despite being far from a natural dancer, her time on the show was defined by her sense of humour, self-deprecation, and willingness to entertain the audience.
Widdecombe’s journey on “Strictly Come Dancing” has become one of the most iconic and talked-about moments in the history of the show. Her unique presence brought a mix of fun, laughter, and controversy, making her stint unforgettable for fans of the show.
Who is Ann Widdecombe?
Born on October 4, 1947, Ann Widdecombe has worn many hats over her career. Primarily known for her political career, she served as a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010. She held several important posts, including that of Minister of State for Prisons during the government of John Major. Her straightforward and often controversial views earned her both fans and detractors.
In 2010, Widdecombe retired from active politics and soon ventured into reality television, making her television debut on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Her time on the show quickly became the focus of much public discussion.
Ann Widdecombe on “Strictly Come Dancing”
In 2010, Widdecombe joined the eighth series of “Strictly Come Dancing,” partnering with professional dancer Anton Du Beke. While many contestants bring elegance and grace to the dance floor, Widdecombe’s performances were memorable for their sheer entertainment value, often garnering laughs from both judges and viewers.
Her time on the show was marked by comedic routines, many of which involved Widdecombe being swung around the dance floor by her partner in ways that pushed the boundaries of what one would expect in a ballroom dancing competition. Du Beke’s choreography often emphasized humor rather than dance technique, which suited Widdecombe’s personality perfectly.
Despite consistently receiving low scores from the judges for her lack of technical skill, Widdecombe’s charm and popularity with the voting audience kept her in the competition for nine weeks.
Memorable Moments
1. The “Flying Widdecombe”
Perhaps the most famous moment in Widdecombe’s “Strictly” journey occurred during her “American Smooth” performance. Anton Du Beke lifted her off the ground, and she glided through the air like a superhero in what became known as the “Flying Widdecombe.” The move was met with laughter and applause from the audience, solidifying her place in “Strictly” history.
2. “Paso Doble”
Widdecombe’s Paso Doble was another iconic moment. Dressed in a bright yellow cape, she resembled a matador as Du Beke twirled her around the stage. The performance, which was intended to evoke the Spanish bullfighting tradition, instead became a source of laughter due to the exaggerated choreography and Widdecombe’s facial expressions.
3. The Judges’ Comments
The judges, especially Craig Revel Horwood, were often scathing in their critiques. Horwood, known for his blunt comments, frequently gave Widdecombe the lowest possible scores, famously calling her performances “dreadful.” However, Widdecombe’s humorous responses to the judges and her self-deprecating humor won over the audience. She never took the criticism to heart, often joking about her lack of dance talent.
Public Reception
Despite her obvious lack of dance ability, Widdecombe’s performances made her a fan favorite. Her partnership with Anton Du Beke became one of the most beloved aspects of the show, as the two embraced the absurdity of their routines. Many viewers appreciated her bravery in stepping out of her comfort zone and her ability to laugh at herself.
However, her longevity in the competition sparked some controversy. Many dance enthusiasts felt that better dancers were being eliminated while Widdecombe remained due to her popularity rather than her skill. This led to debates about the fairness of the show’s voting system, which relies on a combination of judges’ scores and public votes.
Life After “Strictly Come Dancing”
After her departure from “Strictly,” Widdecombe’s popularity in the entertainment world grew. She became a regular on television shows and continued to participate in reality TV, including appearances on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2018 and “The Jump.”
Widdecombe’s time on “Strictly” also reinvigorated her career as a media personality. She has written columns, authored books, and appeared on various talk shows, often discussing her experiences on the dance floor.
Impact on “Strictly Come Dancing”
Ann Widdecombe’s participation in “Strictly Come Dancing” is often credited with expanding the show’s appeal. She showed that “Strictly” wasn’t just for those with natural dance ability, but also for contestants who were willing to entertain and have fun. Her partnership with Anton Du Beke is considered one of the best professional-celebrity pairings in the show’s history, not for technical brilliance but for the sheer joy and laughter they brought to viewers.
FAQs
How far did Ann Widdecombe get in “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Widdecombe reached week 9 of the competition in 2010, making it much further than many anticipated due to her low dance scores but high public vote.
Who was Ann Widdecombe’s dance partner on “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Her professional dance partner was Anton Du Beke. The two shared a great on-screen chemistry, and Du Beke’s comedic choreography helped make Widdecombe a fan favorite.
What were some of Ann Widdecombe’s most memorable dances?
Some of her most memorable routines include the “Flying Widdecombe” during the American Smooth and her cape-wearing Paso Doble. Both performances emphasized humor rather than technical skill.
What was the judges’ reaction to Ann Widdecombe’s performances?
While the judges, particularly Craig Revel Horwood, often gave Widdecombe low scores and harsh critiques, she never took it personally. She handled the criticism with humor, which endeared her to the audience.
Why did Ann Widdecombe become so popular on “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Widdecombe’s popularity stemmed from her ability to entertain. While she wasn’t a natural dancer, her willingness to have fun, her humorous performances, and her self-deprecating attitude won her a large fan base.
What has Ann Widdecombe said about her time on “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Widdecombe has often spoken fondly of her time on the show, describing it as one of the most fun experiences of her life. She has also stated that she knew she wasn’t a good dancer, but her goal was to entertain, and she believed she succeeded in that.
Did Ann Widdecombe return to “Strictly Come Dancing” after her original appearance?
While Widdecombe hasn’t competed again, she has returned for special appearances, often referencing her iconic performances with Anton Du Beke.
How did the public react to Ann Widdecombe’s performances on “Strictly”?
The public was divided. Some viewers loved her comedic approach and voted to keep her in the competition, while others felt more technically skilled dancers were unfairly eliminated. However, her entertainment value was undeniable.
How did Ann Widdecombe handle the judges’ criticism?
Widdecombe handled the judges’ criticism with humor and grace. She was often seen laughing at herself, which made her even more likable to the audience.
What legacy did Ann Widdecombe leave on “Strictly Come Dancing”?
Ann Widdecombe’s legacy on “Strictly” is one of humor, entertainment, and showing that even those with little dance ability can become fan favorites if they approach the competition with the right attitude.
Conclusion
Ann Widdecombe’s time on “Strictly Come Dancing” remains a testament to the idea that personality and entertainment can sometimes outweigh technical skill in reality television. Her memorable routines with Anton Du Beke provided viewers with laughter and joy, and her resilience in the face of criticism made her a beloved contestant. Even years after her appearance, Widdecombe continues to be a reference point in conversations about “Strictly Come Dancing,” cementing her place as one of the most iconic participants in the show’s history.
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