On the programme, Ann said: “None of us know how long we’re going to live, and I could die tomorrow. But I could, if I followed my mother, for example, live another three decades. I do not know what’s going to come up and what I’m going to do in that time.

“So I may be remembered neither for politics nor for Strictly, but for something else that I can’t even foresee at the moment!

“We get one go this side of eternity, one go. It’s not a dress rehearsal. It’s one go. You make the most of it and you take opportunities that come along that you like, and you go for it. That’s my philosophy.”

She was met with cheers from the audience, with Graham telling her it was “well said”.

Ann’s Strictly partner Anton Du Beke has paid tribute to the former MP, stating on X: “I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing, she became a real friend, she was fun, she was upbeat, she was positive, she was supportive, she was game, wanted to enter into the spirit of the whole thing.”