Ann Widdecombe signs up for panto debut

Former MP Ann Widdecombe has signed up to make her debut in panto.

The ex-Home Office minister will take a role in a production of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs later this year.

She has agreed to take part just months after saying she had no interest in a "showbiz career".

Ms Widdecombe achieved a lengthy run in last year's Strictly Come Dancing, against the odds with her lumpen performances.

She will team up with sharp-tongued Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood in the production at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, Kent, from December 9.

The pair have recently been on tour together as part of the line-up for the Strictly live shows, and Revel Horwood suggested she take part in the panto.

The pantomime role and live dancing shows are in stark contrast to an interview she gave last year, in which she declared: "I have no desire to dance again or launch a showbiz career."

She will play the new servant to Revel Horwood's Wicked Queen, taking the role of Widdy In Waiting.

The once-fearsome politician said: "I can hardly believe all the wonderful opportunities which have opened up through Strictly Come Dancing.

"Craig and I have had enormous fun on the tour of the show and I am sure we can make that fun infectious during the run of Snow White."

She will perform in the panto for three weeks.

Revel Horwood said: "Ann is extremely entertaining and such a sport. We've had a great laugh together on tour, though whether or not her dancing has improved is another matter."

Michael Harrison of panto company Qdos, which is producing the show, said: "She is such a fantastic personality and I am sure panto audiences will love her."

Tickets can be booked at orchardtheatre.co.uk