Jeremy Vine supported by viewers after tearing up on Channel 5 show over Ann Widdecombe's tragic death
Jeremy also read out Ann's final texts before her deathJeremy Vine fought back tears over Ann Widdecombe’s tragic death as he discussed the news on his Channel 5 show this week.
He was discussing her death when the conversation turned personal.
Jeremy Vine tears up over Ann Widdecombe’s death
Jeremy was on air on Monday, July 13. Guest Iain Dale spoke warmly about Ann, who was found dead at her Devon home last Thursday following an alleged attack, and said she had spoken positively about Jeremy and his team.
Iain said: “She loved your programme, 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 struggled to respond. He said: “Well, that is too much to hear that today. Thank you very much, Iain,” as he choked back tears.
Following the moment, viewers shared their support on X. One person said: “As a viewer it was easy to see you got on so well together. You had a lovely relationship. It must be so hard for you all. Rest in peace Ann.”
Another wrote: “Hope you’re doing ok Jeremy @theJeremyVine. A tough piece to do.”
A third added: “The genuine friendship was clear to us viewers.”
The exchange came during a difficult update on the investigation into Ann’s death. Counter terrorism police have now taken over the investigation after new evidence came to light.
Ann was 78. She was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday, July 9. Police believe she died on July 8.
What Ann’s final texts revealed
On his show, Jeremy explained that former politician Ann had been due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday, July 8. But text exchanges show that she stopped returning messages to a Channel 5 producer.
In messages later made public by ITV News, Ann wrote at 12.19pm: “Received! Panic over!!”
However, she did not reply to a Zoom link sent at 12.48pm. The producer then messaged at 12.55pm: “Hi Ann is everything okay?”
There was no reply from Ann.
A 28-year-old white British man was first arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. Police have since rearrested him on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Police statement on Ann Widdecombe’s death
This week, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said in a statement: “Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
“Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.
Read more: Ann Widdecombe’s home featured on Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House days before her death
“New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.
“The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”
