Strictly stars in Newton Abbot

STRICTLY Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke and former MP Ann Widdecombe have been spotted in Newton Abbot as they prepare for next week’s first live show.

Ann, who lives at Haytor, was paired up with Anton for the hit TV dance competition and has been secretly practising at the Deborah Bond Dance Academy on Kings Street.

Academy owner, Deborah Bond, kept it all under wraps, but the secret was finally out when students spotted Anton coming out of the studio.

Since then the pair have been ‘besieged’ by fans of the show and reporters from London newspapers, who are making the journey to South Devon to interview them.

Deborah said: “It was kept under wraps at the beginning because the BBC wanted them to be able to rehearse fairly peacefully.

“They have had a good solid week rehearsing. I know Ann was really pleased that they managed to find a facility so close. She was thrilled she did not have to drive for hours for rehearsal.

“I think Anton is used to travelling all of the country. He is very charming, sociable and witty guy. It’s lovely to have him around.”

The dancing duo have been spotted out and about in Newton Abbot, taking a break from their routine for a cream tea at The Pharmacy cafe.

Deborah said: “I went to help Anton find a car parking space and on the way back he was besieged by old dears who wanted his autograph.

“All the students have seen them, too, and they are very excited about it. All of the children are going to vote for Ann and they are already setting up a campaign to keep them in the show.”

She added: “We will be watching it avidly this year.”

Ann and Anton are in London next week prior to the live show, but if they are voted through they will be back in the Newton Abbot studio for rehearsals.

The Conservative, who was an MP for 23 years, first for Maidstone and latterly for Maidstone and the Weald, retired at the 2010 General Election.

Roman Catholic Ann’s dance sessions were interrupted by her five-day coverage of the Pope’s visit for Sky News.

She will be performing in front of judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon.

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts at 9pm on Friday, October 1 on BBC One.