Former MP Ann Widdecombe was a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, going from a rank outsider to just missing out on a place in the semi-finals

Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said.

Her death was confirmed by her spokesperson on Friday morning - she was first elected to Parliament under Margaret Thatcher in 1987 before rising through the ranks