BB FANS

The former Conservative MP is well behind contestants like Scott Maslen, Kara Tointon and Matt Baker in terms of ability, but has been a real hit with viewers.

Her partnership with Anton Du Beke has been one of the most entertaining features of the BBC One show, thanks largely to Ann's willingness to poke fun at herself and judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Strictly fans are starting to think Ann may prove to be as popular as John Sergeant and some even believe she could win the show.

They have been putting cash on their hunch and she has been backed in from 100/1 to 22/1 at William Hill.

Rupert Adams, a spokesman for the bookmaker, said: 'This is the most popular Strictly we have ever bet on and we have Ann to thank for that.

'As a result we will be very happy if she makes it to the final week, but hope that she will not win it!'

Matt remains the 7/4 favourite to lift the glitter ball trophy, while Michelle Williams is the 6/4 favourite to be eliminated this weekend after overcoming an ankle injury she suffered in training.

Metro

ANN WIDDECOMBE TORPEDOES TINA

UNSINKABLE Ann Widdecombe has her eye on the Strictly Come Dancing crown – as bookies last night dramatically slashed her odds and predicted she could win.

The outspoken Daily Express columnist, who is proving a huge hit with viewers, said she is “delighted” the public back her.

Bookies now rate the former Tory MP as low as 14/1, from an original 100/1, to win the hit BBC show.

Express

What a shame to see the lovely Jimmy voted off the show because viewers want to keep the joke that is Ann Widdecome in for their amusement.
Mail

Ann Widdecombe 'will not quit Strictly Come Dancing'

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe says she will not voluntarily bow out of TV show Strictly Come Dancing.

In the latest round, Ms Widdecombe, 63, from Devon, was spared elimination thanks to public support after she had received the lowest marks of the night.

The former minister has consistently been bailed out by the public vote despite harsh verdicts from the panel.

But Ms Widdecombe said she would not follow the example of John Sergeant, who voluntarily left the show in 2008.

Political correspondent Mr Sergeant said at the time that there was a "real risk" of winning the show which he said would be a "joke too far".

But Ms Widdecombe said leaving "would be a slap in the face for the public".

BBC

Germaine Greer: Why should Ann Widdecombe leave Strictly?

It is the people who put Ann Widdecombe in Strictly Come Dancing that have made a mockery of the contest


Guardian

Ann Widdecombe planned a Priscilla Queen of the Desert routine for Strictly Come Dancing but pulled out when she realised it was about drag queens, according to her dance partner Anton Du Beke.

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She been suspended from the ceiling, hauled around the ballroom on her bottom, and suffered the endless taunts of studio judges, but there is one thing that Ann Widdecombe won't do for Strictly Come Dancing: become a drag queen.

Telegraph

Widdecombe survives Strictly vote

The Ann Widdecombe show rolled on as she was yet again saved by the public vote on Strictly Come Dancing.

US singer Michelle Williams became the sixth celebrity to leave the competition, after her Paso Doble proved as unpopular with viewers as it was with the judges.

They said her dance with partner Brendan Cole "lost balance" and was "very stiff".

The combination of judges' scores and phone votes meant Williams and actress Felicity Kendal were in the bottom two, but it was the former Destiny's Child star who was eliminated.


Scotsman

Gavin Henson snog overshadows Ann Widdecombe

For once, Ann Widdecombe wasn’t the big talking point on tonight’s hoofing contest.

Telegraph

Ann savaged by the judges on TV show

Ann Widdecombe’s outfit for the ballroom contest’s Blackpool special was brighter than the seaside town’s illuminations

Telegraph

Bookies Monster Widdecombe Win!

Bookies William Hill are pleased to see the back of Anne Widdecombe after she was voted off Strictly! Anne started as a 100/1 outsider but was heavily backed after week one, finishing as a 5/1 shot. "A Widdecombe win would have cost the bookies a six figure payout, if we can get Matt beaten, it will have been a vintage year for us," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Hills offer 1000/1 that Anne becomes a full time judge on Strictly 2011 & 100/1 that she produces a fitness video for the new year market!

William Hill Strictly Come Dancing: 10/11 Matt Baker, 5/2 Kara Tointon, 5/1 Scott Maslen, 11/2 Pamela Stephenson, 25/1 Gavin Henson

WilliamHillMedia