Ann Widdecombe attends the line-up launch for 'Strictly Come Dancing' 2010 in London
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Strictly legend Ann Widdecombe ‘set to return to the show’

This is going to be the best Christmas special yet

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Who could ever forget Ann Widdecombe’s epic turn on Strictly Come Dancing eight years ago?

Now, the 71-year-old politician-turned-reality star is reportedly making a return to the dance show for the Christmas special, with insiders calling the decision to have her back a “no-brainer”.

It’s been said the controversial and outspoken TV star – who was a contestant on the BBC show in 2010 – will be reunited with her original dance partner, Anton Du Beke.

ann widdecombe strictly anton du beke
Ann was popular with viewers, despite having no dancing skills whatsoever (credit: BBC)

The author of The Dancing Detective is reportedly already in rehearsals for the special episode, which will also apparently feature previous winner Caroline Flack.

A source told The Sun: “Ann has always been one of Strictly’s most memorable and hilarious contenders. Her endearingly hapless moves had the nation falling in love with her back when she was on the show with Anton and they boosted viewing figures by a mile.

ann widdecombe strictly anton du beke
The former politician is reportedly already in rehearsals (credit: BBC)

“The Christmas special is always a light-hearted, fun episode and so it was a no-brainer to get Ann on board to add to the comedy of it.

“Ann has promised she’s going to be back to her best and producers are hoping she will provide her most entertaining routine yet in the one episode.”

ED! has contacted representatives for Strictly and Ann for comment.

ann widdecombe strictly anton du beke
Ann and Anton will be reunited for the episode (credit: BBC)

Back on series eight, the pair performed hilarious routines for an astonishing nine weeks, despite terrible scores from the judges.

Read more: Strictly’s Katya and Neil Jones reveal plans to have a baby

Ann, who retired from politics in 2001 and went on to appear on Celebrity Fit Club a year later, won fans earlier this year on Celebrity Big Brother.

She has also continued to be vocal with her opinions on the dance show, and recently spoke out about the headlines that surrounded contestant Seann Walsh and his dance partner, Katya Jones.

The pair were caught kissing and forced to apologise, with the comedian’s girlfriend publicly dumping him.

Ann is never one to hold her tongue (credit: BBC)

Speaking on Good Morning Britain last month, she said: “There is no such thing as the curse of Strictly, it isn’t some hex… it’s their own lack of self-control.”

She went on: “I have to say if I had been Katya’s husband, I would have just demanded she left the show for the rest of the series.

ann widdecombe strictly anton du beke 2010
We can’t wait to see Ann back on Strictly after eight years (credit: BBC)

“I would have said, ‘I can’t trust you now, you’ve got to leave the show.'”

We could not be more excited by this news. And we can’t wait to see what Ann and Anton come up with…

Read more: Shirley Ballas has viewers in hysterics with bizarre chicken cha cha cha video!

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 7pm on Saturday on BBC1

Are you excited for this reunion? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor