Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe insists that acid-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood does not scare her.

The former Tory MP has been on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism from the harsh judge, who has already given her the lowest mark possible.

However, Ann is reported by the News of the World saying: "He doesn't scare me - I've been grilled by Jeremy Paxman."

She added: "Craig's a pussycat behind the scenes - it's an act.

"I'm not afraid of the judges, and I think my time at the dispatch box stands me in good stead with them.

"But I think anyone who compares sparring with them to sparring with say, Jeremy Paxman, is getting it a bit out of proportion."

However, the 63-year-old, who danced the quickstep this weekend, is scoring well with the viewers for her repartee with the judges.

After her waltz in week one, she warned them: "If you think that's bad wait until you see the salsa."

She had an answer last week when she baited Craig: "You haven't got a zero - you might as well give us one and have done with it."

Ann said: "I knew damn well Craig was going to give me a one. Being a well- trained politician I know you should always get your retaliation in first."

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