Ann Widdecombe's Devon home featured on TV days before former MP's death
Ann Widdecombe's Devon home was broadcast on television just five days before the former MP's death, with a Quest show episode featuring the 600,000 bungalow aired on 2 July, five days before authorities confirmed Ms Widdecombe died at the Haytor residence on 7 July. There is no indication that the programme or any of the footage captured from the residence was linked to Ms Widdecombe's death.
The second season instalment, originally broadcast in 2022, documented presenter Angus Ashworth's visit to the property as he evaluated belongings Ms Widdecombe wished to auction. Audiences were shown various sections of the property including the entrance garden, conservatory, gym, library, kitchen and dining area. The show described the residence as being situated on the idyllic Devonshire coast.
Ms Widdecombe, a retired politician and former Conservative government minister who had recently become a spokesperson for Reform UK, was presented on the programme attempting to secure prices for personal possessions including her parents' Japanese Satsuma dish, a scarf, a bag and a teddy bear. The episode featured Ms Widdecombe explaining her decision to live in the property. She said: "I came down here quite deliberately to be as remote as I could as was sensible. 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. Part of the retirement plan was to have a clear-out of old things."
Upon arriving at the bungalow, Mr Ashworth remarked: "Lovely little house isn't it." Ms Widdecombe earned 1,445 pounds following the sale of her possessions, with a Japanese plate fetching the top price of 660 pounds.
The 78-year-old was subsequently discovered deceased at the Haytor property. Police confirmed she died after sustaining blunt force trauma to the head, and she may have been dead for more than 24 hours before her body was discovered. A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Yorkshire, and police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.