Ann Widdecombe reportedly joining Celebrity Big Brother 2018 line-up

The former Tory MP previously appeared on Strictly Come Dancing

Ann Widdecombe (Getty)

Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe has reportedly joined this year’s Celebrity Big Brother line-up.

The controversial 70-year-old has been a last-minute addition to the Channel 5 line-up, sources told to The Mirror.

Despite having spoken negatively about reality TV stars, Widdecombe has previously appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, participating in the 2010 series and coming sixth.

Channel 5 has responded to the report, telling The Independent: “Housemates will be confirmed tonight once on screen.”

Widdecombe has been a controversial figure for many years, the former MP’s opposition to legal abortion, disparaging comments about the LGBT community, and support for re-introducing the death penalty being particularly divisive. She was also pro-Brexit.

As has been widely reported for months, the series will start with only women in the house, Channel 5 marking the 100th anniversary of women being given the vote.

The only other confirmed celebrity is journalist Rachel Johnson, sister of politician Boris. Read about all the rumoured contestants here.

The contestants of this year’s competition will be announced tonight, 2 January, when Celebrity Big Brother: Year of the Woman — hosted by Emma Willis — begins at 9pm on Channel 5.