© BBC
According to The Sun, show bosses deliberately paired the 44-year-old ballroom professional with the inexperienced MP after he caused controversy for describing his previous partner Laila Rouass as a "P**i" following a spray tan.
A source said: "Of all the female dancers to end up with, Anton would have been dreading Ann. She's about a foot shorter than him and hopeless at dancing.
"He would have wanted someone sexier like Pasty Kensit so this is a real slap in the face for him. But I think if he's honest with himself he kind of deserves it as he caused a real problem last year."
However, Du Beke insisted that he is happy to compete alongside Widdecombe. "I've got the most wonderful partner in Ann and I'm very excited," he said.
A BBC spokesperson failed to comment on the reasoning behind the pairing, saying only: "Anton is a very experienced dancer and great teacher - perfect for Ann."
> Widdecombe rules out 'Strictly' fake tan
