Following the tragic death of Ann Widdecombe, we wanted to revisit one of our favourite conversations with her and remember the woman we were lucky enough to know.
Ann was unmistakably herself: fiercely independent, formidable, funny and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. She became a much-loved columnist for Best, bringing her razor-sharp wit and wonderfully dry sense of humour to everything she wrote.
In this conversation, Ann reflects on a life lived firmly on her own terms. She talks about why she never regretted being single, the companionship of her beloved cat Aloysius, the faith that shaped her life, caring for her mother, and some of the more unexpected adventures that came her way – from Strictly Come Dancing with Anton Du Beke to Celebrity Big Brother.
There are stories here that make us smile, and moments that feel especially poignant now.
So this week, we’re remembering Ann as we knew her: strong, funny, forthright and completely unforgettable.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Remembering Ann Widdecombe
02:05 Why Ann never regretted being single
02:50 Life with her beloved cat Aloysius
03:35 Ann’s surprising connection to a goat sanctuary
04:15 The animal charity close to her heart
06:34 The importance of faith in Ann’s life
07:35 Is faith a comfort in times of loneliness?
08:20 Behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing
09:08 The story of Ann’s famous yellow “Big Bird” dress
10:12 Why she finally said yes to Celebrity Big Brother
11:44 Caring for her mother in later life
12:37 Ann on the importance of family
13:25 Why she believed in multigenerational living
14:10 Ann’s thoughts on modern-day stress
15:49 Growing older and the kindness of strangers
16:12 What Ann wished people understood about her
16:23 Remembering a strong and remarkable woman
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