Cloud9 Management represented Ann for over a decade and we will miss her greatly. Her life and career were driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service. She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes. Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.
As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show, “we get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.” This philosophy led her to appearing in Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment at London’s Royal Opera House and pantomime alongside Craig Revel Horwood and Basil Brush. Never afraid to send herself up, Ann loved her musical tribute by Victoria Wood and was always game for a laugh, happy to play up to her public persona as a grumpy old woman or the panto villain.
For many, of course, she will be best (or worst?) remembered for her unforgettable appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, defying the judges week-after-week as the public delighted in her unsuccessful attempts to follow the choreography of the long-suffering Anton Du Beke. This lead to a second career as a media personality, fronting multiple documentaries and appearing on such shows as Have I Got News For You, Celebrity Big Brother, The Chase and hosting her own quiz show on Sky Atlantic, Cleverdicks.
A consummate professional and a delight to work with, indefatigable to the last. Ann was a unique public figure who will be greatly missed by friends, colleagues and fans alike.