Jeremy Vine was visibly moved during a discussion about Ann Widdecombe's murder investigation on his Channel 5 show, as he reflected on the late politician's frequent appearances on the program.
The 61-year-old TV presenter's voice cracked as he spoke about the news, which has left the nation shocked and saddened. He had been discussing the latest developments in the investigation, after counter-terrorism now leads the case amid new evidence.
Show guest Iain Dale was also visibly choked up as he recalled how warmly Widdecombe spoke of Vine and his show, which she appeared more than 100 times. 'She loved coming on it,' Dale said. 'She loved your viewers and she loved you,' he added, paying tribute to the politician's affection for the program.
Vine, visibly emotional, replied, 'Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain.' The discussion was a poignant reminder of the close relationship between the politician and the TV presenter.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday, after sustaining serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The head of UK counter-terrorism policing is pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to deduce the motive for the crime. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and are asking people to remain anonymous if they wish to report information.
Vine went on to explain that his production team had been in communication with Widdecombe on the day she is believed to have died. He described Widdecombe as a 'friend' of the show, adding, 'We've had the weekend to think about this horrifying news. It was bad enough knowing that we would never see her face again, never hear her voice again.
'But to know that her life was taken in an act of violence is almost too much. We are thinking of all her family, her friends, as this horrible, horrible series of events plays out,' Vine said, his voice trembling with emotion.
As the nation mourns the loss of Widdecombe, police are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind her tragic death. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and report it to the authorities.
