Jeremy Vine was moved to tears on his Channel 5 show on Monday while discussing the murder investigation of Ann Widdecombe. The 61-year-old presenter struggled to maintain composure as guest Iain Dale recalled how warmly Widdecombe spoke of Vine and his programme, which she appeared on over 100 times.
Emotional tributes on air
Dale, visibly choked up, said: '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.' As the camera cut back to Vine, his voice cracked and he looked down at his hands, replying: 'Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain.'
Vine then addressed viewers directly, describing Widdecombe as a 'friend' of the show. He said: 'We've had the weekend to think about this horrifying news. It was bad enough knowing that we would never see her face again, never hear her voice again, that voice booming "Stuff of nonsense!" every time she heard something she disagreed with. But to know that her life was taken in an act of violence is almost too much. We are thinking of all her family, her friends, as this horrible, horrible series of events plays out.'
Counter-terrorism police take over
Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11:40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, stated that multiple lines of enquiry are being pursued to determine the motive. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward via the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or by calling Devon and Cornwall Police on 101. Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
Background and ongoing investigation
Vine revealed that his production team had been in communication with Widdecombe on the day she is believed to have died. The development has shocked many, as Widdecombe was a familiar face on British television. The investigation continues, with authorities examining evidence that led to the terrorism-related rearrest.
