Channel 5 news presenter Dan Walker shared an update to social media about his news programme’s coverage of former MP Ann Widdecombe’s murder.
Following the former Conservative politician’s tragic death at the age of 78, the police have launched a murder investigation.
Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday morning with serious injuries.
Today (Saturday, July 11) police have announced that a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder had been released.
Last night, Walker shared a clarification on his Channel 5 programme’s earlier coverage via social media.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the former BBC Breakfast host told his 739,100 followers: “Really sad news about Ann Widdecombe. Horrible to think about what she went through.
“To clarify something we said on the programme tonight… Ann was due to appear on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped responding to messages and didn't turn up for the show.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation.”
On Thursday morning, Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor.
Police officers were called by the ambulance service at around 11:40 BST and her death was announced on Friday morning by her management team.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.
"We send our deepest condolences to Ann's family and friends. We ask that the family's wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected."
Walker and Widdecombe both enjoyed memorable stints on the BBC talent show, Strictly Come Dancing.
The journalist came in fifth place in 2021 alongside dance partner Nadiya Bychkova, while the late politician placed sixth alongside now-judge Anton Du Beke in 2010.
Du Beke has expressed his “devastation” over his former dance partner’s death, calling it “the saddest of news”.
He said on X (Twitter): "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.”
5 News Weekend airs tonight at 6:55pm on Channel 5.
