Completely agree with this. Ann and Anton are going to get the most publicity and be the highest profile couple on there.

I didn't see that episode of HIGNFY but if Jimmy Carr did that I don't blame her for being offended. I don't like his 'humour' at all - there was an article in the Guardian recently about how part of his act makes 'fun' of rape!. But I digress - I think that Anton was always going to be the one chosen to partner her (none of the others would have been able to put the humour in), and I don't actually think he will mind that, as previous posters have said he is very much on the ball career wise and I don't think this series will do him any harm.

Another programme that has gone down the road of humiliating people to boost viewing figures.

Anne won't be humiliated on the show. As she said on Saturday she hardly finds the comments of some dancing judges the worst experience in the world.

I am delighted to see her on the show, but feel she maybe should have taken the Holy See job instead............

From the footage we have seen, Ann is under no illusions as to her abilities on the dancefloor and is well capable of dealing with sarky judges.

She is well aware that she has been signed up as the comedy candidate for this series, and as such won't see herself as being humilated. I have a feeling that she will take each week she stays as a gift.

And I did see Jimmy Carr (a desperately unfunny little man) trying to wind her up on HIGNFY. She rose above it then and she will rise above it now.

Ah I see. So you don't like anyone who has different views to you? Must make for a very small cirle of friends

....Ann is tough as old boots....doubt she will give a flying duck what the judges say .....am worried though whether she will be able to keep up with the fast dances.....her little feet will have to go hell for leather.......

Which - SCD or HIGNFY

Oh don't please. I have a vivid imagination and I've just choked on my coffee

Exactly. I can't believe people think she might be worried! I bet she is having a great time bossing Anton around and I am soooo looking forward to her sparring with the judges

....well I personally would like Anton to try that lift that RickyW did last year .....I think it would good fun and will be extremely disappointed if he doesnt....I may never ever ever watch the show again if he doesnt

Cant wait to hear her replies to the judges either

I loved watching Julian Clary's put down's to the judges (I still remember the look on Craig's face when Julian told him he "wouldn't know a *whatever it was* if it bit him on the bum!" ..... it was absolutely priceless as was natasha's when Julian told her she looked like a humbug in her black and white striped dress.

I think Ann has the potential to be even better.... "You DO talk a load of rot!"

I find it difficult to belive that she's younger than Felicity Kendal.

Anyhoo, as to how much she regrets signing up I would say that it's not enough to make her hand back the filthy lucre and throw in the towel.

I said that to my husband that I bet Anton has to partner Ann (and so it came to pass).

Poor Anton he always draws the short straw but thank goodness he has a good sense of humour. Brendan probably would have walked out had it been him.

LOL yes I think that Brendan would have throw his toys out if he had got Ann.......it would have been funny though....

Holy sequins! I've just looked it up and she is as well

That shock over, Ann Widdecombe is a very, very smart and savvy lady (whatever you think of her personality or her politics). I find it difficult to believe she didn't sit down and think about the pros and cons, and decide the pros were in the majority, before putting pen to dotted line.

That's what I meant and I can imagine it may have been one of the longest ever!

????????

She was up for the job of British Ambassador to the Vatican City.

The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome. The Pope is in charge.

Anne, as a politician and a prominent Roman Catholic, was seen as an ideal candidate to represent us there.

Doubt she will be rehearsing much over the four days of Pope Bendict XVI's visit.

Poor Anton. He always gets the lame ducks.

Lets face it at week one we all thought John S would be dreadful and he did a locely ballroom dance, even Craig agreed too. I amnot sure what the two dances are at first if she does get a slow ballroom she may just get through by theskin of her teeth, but if not I can only summize she will be out week one

I would be willing to bet that she and Anton get the Waltz as their first dance.....

She said as much on the radio this morning, that she would be too busy commenting on the papal visit to get much practice in this week. nearly crashed the car thinking of her an Anton sneaking some practice in back stage at one of the papal masses