Ann Widdecombe: 'I turned down Strictly'

Ann Widdecombe has admitted that she previously turned down annual offers to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

The former politician, who is now competing in the BBC dance competition, also told Star magazine that she had declined offers from other reality television programmes because she disapproves of them.

"I disapproved of Big Brother because it's nothing except voyeurism," she said. "At least with a show like Celebrity Fit Club, which I've done, the purpose was to get healthy.

"With Strictly, the purpose is to learn to dance or at least try and learn. There is no point to Big Brother at all. As for I'm A Celeb, I'm far too squeamish - I could never eat slugs."

Widdecombe revealed that she was inspired to sign on for this year's Strictly after watching John Sergeant.

"I turned down Strictly from 2004 onwards - not because I disapprove, but because I didn't think I could do it. Then when I saw John Sergeant I thought, 'you know what, maybe I can do it after all!'"

> Ann Widdecombe: "Dumbo triumphs again!"