Anton Du Beke pays tribute to 'real friend' and Strictly partner Ann Widdecombe

Strictly judge and former pro-dancer Anton Du Beke has paid tribute to his 2010 partner, Ann Widdecombe, who has sadly died, aged 78.

The TV star, who said the former MP 'became a real friend', took to Instagram to share his upset at the news, telling fans: 'Hi my loves, the saddest of news we’ve heard today of the passing of the lovely Ann Widdecombe. I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing. She became a real friend. She was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game - she wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing and we had an incredible time together.

'On behalf of myself and the whole @bbcstrictly family, we are devastated by the news and our thoughts go out to her nearest and dearest and her whole family.

'We will all remember her fondly and miss her. Anton x'.

NOW READ: Ann Widdecombe, former Tory MP and Reform UK member, dies aged 78

The pair stole the hearts of the nation when they appeared together in the eighth series of the show back in 2010 — making it all the way to the quarter finals.

Following the news of Ann's passing, many fans have taken to the comments to share their memories of her time partnered with Anton on the BBC dance show. One wrote: 'You and Ann in the Paso Doble dragging her along the floor. Iconic moment of Strictly. Such sad news. She was a good sport. RIP Ann. Hugs to you Anton 😘💛', while another said: 'She was a real character and still one of Strictly’s most memorable celebrities.'