3amCelebrity NewsAnn WiddecombeThe political commentator shocked viewers on Sky News for labelling Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” and an “old maid” and discussed whether she was a virgin17:45, 11 Jul 2026Updated 18:08, 11 Jul 2026Ex-Sky News presenter Adam Boulton has apologised after he came under fire for labelling Ann Widdecombe a “spinster” and an “old maid” amid a murder investigation.‌The political commentator shocked viewers on his former channel when he also discussed whether the late politician was a virgin and referred to her as a "spinster" and an "old maid".‌“I was seriously wrong and insensitive in one of the several media appearances I made yesterday in reaction to the death of Ann Widdecombe,” he said in a statement.‌“I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong. Of course I shared, and share, the horror at her murder and the respect for her remarkable and feisty political career. I also know that many people loved her for her subsequent showbiz stardom. Her untimely death is a horrible thing.“My mistaken view was that in the context of rolling news coverage, I was being asked to contribute as an obituarist who has known her and interacted with her since the 1980s. This approach was premature. At no point was I expressing my personal feelings about her, that's not what I do.‌"I was discussing her life in the round, based on the record of known facts and what she has said about herself, along with some recollections of our personal interactions. My choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend though obviously I did.”Whilst live on television, Mr Boulton had said of Ms Widdicombe: “She was very much a spinster, by the end I think you’d probably describe her as an old maid. Reportedly, she claimed that she was a virgin.”‌His comment had garnered a swathe of criticism, including from former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who said on X: "I hope Adam apologises and retracts these vile remarks immediately. Awful, twisted and utterly without decency."Mr Boulton initially refused to apologise, responding: "No thanks. I stick to the facts. You and your ilk should stop trying to exploit the horrific death of a national personality. Police say no evidence of political or terror motive.”He added: “Widders herself never gilded the lily and would expect nothing less.” But he continued to face criticism, as Reform MP Robert Jenrick and Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies added their thoughts.Article continues belowThe MP said Mr Boulton had shown "his true colours", while Ms Davies wrote: "These men are truly vile... (don't like women with views). Lots of things I disagreed with Ann Widdecombe on, but these are very unpleasant and unnecessary comments."Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday morning. The former MP was reportedly discovered by a carer, covered in blood after sustaining at least one serious head injury.Devon and Cornwall Police's Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told a press conference earlier that there was "no information that this is a politically-motivated crime" and also confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Ann WiddecombeSky News