Jeremy Vine and Ann Widdecombe went back years, and the Channel 5 presenter was overcome with emotion after being told by guest Iain Dale that she adored him17:15, 13 Jul 2026Updated 09:50, 21 Jul 2026Jeremy Vines tearful as Iain Dale discusses Ann Widdecombe Emotional Jeremy Vine couldn't hold back the tears as he broke down live on air following the death of his friend and occasional co-star Ann Widdecombe.‌Ann, a regular guest on his Channel 5 programme, was found dead last week - hours after she was due to appear on his show. A member of his team had been in contact with the former politician on the day she died, but she failed to turn up up for the online interview.‌The 78-year-old, who had starred on Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother, had accepted invitations to be the Jeremy Vine Show more than 50 times, and also rarely said no when asked to go on his Radio 2 show. Her long-time pal appeared today for the first time since it was announced Ann's death had turned into a murder investigation.‌Guest Iain Dale told Jeremy: "She loved coming on it. She loved your viewers and she loved you. You were part of her family and she really spoke very highly of you, and I know you went out of your way to be kind to her."Jeremy thanked him for his kind words and became visibly emotional as his voice began to crack. Looking down and away from the camera, the host's eyes started to fill with tears.‌Struggling to get his words out, he said: "Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain. We are involved here because, on the day of her death, this office was in touch with her by chance."Today, counter terrorism police confirmed they are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star.‌Officers said "new information and evidence has come to light" and so the case is being led by the counter terror team. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of the former MP and MEP's murder, and has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.This gives police the powers under the Terrorism Act to detain a suspect without charge for up to 14 days. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously faced a race against the clock to bring charges after the initial arrest.Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.‌Footage taken by the Mirror shows several forensic officers enter a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in relation to the investigation. Neighbours there have spoken of their shock.Last year, Ann left viewers in fits of giggles on The Jeremy Vine Show when she wore a bucket hat and listened to Oasis "for the first time". She refused the offer of free tickets and said instead she much preferred Cliff Richard and The Shadows.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.