Ann Widdecombe’s residence was showcased on a national television program shortly before her tragic death. The former MP and MEP’s home in Haytor on Dartmoor was featured in a rerun of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House on Discovery+ on July 2. In the episode, the 78-year-old expressed her fondness for the tranquility and seclusion of her Devon retreat.
Tragically, just days after the show aired, Widdecombe was found deceased at her residence, having suffered severe injuries. Authorities have initiated a murder investigation, treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House follows celebrities as they declutter their homes, often uncovering valuable items to be auctioned for substantial profits. Widdecombe’s episode, filmed in 2022 for the show’s second season hosted by antiques expert Angus Ashworth, showcased various parts of her property, such as the front door, garden, library, conservatory, gym, and kitchen.
Although Widdecombe’s episode is currently unavailable on Discovery+, clips circulating on social media show Ashworth visiting her bungalow in Haytor to evaluate items she intended to sell. The program portrayed the home as situated on the picturesque Devonshire coast.
During the episode, Widdecombe shared her decision to reside in the secluded property for peace and solitude, emphasizing that part of her retirement plan was to declutter her belongings. Upon the sale of her possessions on the show, she earned £1,445, with the Japanese plate fetching the highest sum at £660. The repeat episode aired on Quest on July 2 at 6 pm.
Following Widdecombe’s tragic death, the investigation has been taken over by Counter Terrorism Policing due to new information and evidence. The Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, urged the public to come forward with any relevant information to assist in uncovering the motive behind the attack.
CTP expressed gratitude for the support received from local communities, the public, and the media and appealed for anyone with information to aid the investigation. Quest TV, a Warner Bros Discovery-owned channel, was contacted for comment on the incident.