Jeremy Vine breaks down in tears over Ann Widdecombe death as counter terror police take over investigation
Jeremy Vine was overcome with emotion during his Channel 5 programme on Monday as he discussed the killing of Ann Widdecombe, who had been a frequent contributor to his show.
The presenter struggled to hold back tears after fellow guest Iain Dale spoke warmly about the former minister’s affection for the programme and its host.
“She loved coming on it. She loved your viewers and she loved you,” Mr Dale told him.
“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 Vine was left in tears during Monday’s show
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CHANNEL 5
Mr Vine’s voice began to crack as he responded, forcing him to look away from the camera.
“Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain,” he managed to say.
The broadcaster then explained that his production team had been in communication with Ms Widdecombe on the day she is believed to have died.
In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, Mr Vine had written that the news of Ms Widdecombe dying through violence was “almost impossible to take in”.
Iain Dale paid tribute to Ann on Monday morning
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CHANNEL 5
He praised her for never “complaining about her obvious frailty as she got older” and expressed hope that her family would remember “their vivid Ann, their Ann whose eyes twinkled with fun and kindness, and not the Ann whose life has been stolen like this”.
Shortly after Mr Vine’s tearful appearance, counter-terrorism officers announced that they would be assuming control of the investigation.
However, Devon and Cornwall Police have stated there is no indication the killing was politically motivated or terrorism-related.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives remained “open-minded” regarding a potential motive and confirmed there was not believed to be any threat to the wider public.
Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor | PA
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was killed shortly after midday on Wednesday. A suspect, a 28-year-old white British man, was apprehended in Rotherham at approximately 9pm on Saturday following a manhunt, and questioning continued on Monday.
It is understood that he remains in police custody.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has addressed the decision for Counter Terror Police to take over the investigation.
She said: “This morning, I have spoken to the head of CTP.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her property | GETTY
“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Ms Widdecombe’s final television appearance aired just five days before her death, featuring a tour of her £600,000 bungalow in Haytor, where she would later be found fatally injured.
Ann Widdecombe was a regular guest on Jeremy Vine
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CHANNEL 5
The episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, filmed in 2022 but broadcast on July 2, showed the former MP guiding presenter Angus Ashworth through her property, including the kitchen where she sustained her fatal injuries.
During the programme, she spoke fondly of her decision to retire to the Dartmoor location.
“I came down here quite deliberately to be as remote as I could, as was sensible,” she explained. “I’ve got what I want, which is peace, quiet, solitude. Of course, I’m friendly with some of the neighbours. I’m not a recluse.”
She described the area as close to “the idyllic Devonshire coast” and expressed contentment with her retirement choice. The broadcast also showed the exterior of her home and driveway.
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