The ex-Home Secretary – who is a government minister in the Department of Education – is set to marry Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy, this August
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Baroness Jacqui Smith is engaged. The ex-Home Secretary – who is a government minister in the Department of Education – is set to marry Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy, this August.
In 2020, she revealed she had a new boyfriend nine months after splitting from her husband of 33 years, Richard Timney, with whom she shares two children.
During a discussion on the Where Politics Meets History podcast, co-host Iain Dale, who is Jacqui’s friend, was asked whose upcoming nuptials he is attending this summer, and he replied: “Jacqui Smith. She and Page Three Boy are getting married.”
Iain gushed over the couple, admitting they are “absolutely smitten”. He added: “She told me just after Christmas and I was really pleased for her, because Graham, which is Page Three Boy’s name, he’s a lovely, lovely guy. They’re absolutely smitten and devoted to each other.”
Jacqui – who was Britain’s first female Home Secretary – was seen at the dispatch box of the House of Lords on Monday flashing her engagement ring.
In 2020, Jacqui said she wasn’t worried about the dreaded Strictly curse affecting her new romance, saying her professional dancing partner Anton du Beke wouldn’t come between her and her new man, who she didn’t name.
Speaking to The Guardian, the former Labour politician, 57, said: “I won’t have it said that Anton is not gorgeous. But he is happily married and I am in a newish, but lovely, relationship. Trust us, there will be no Strictly curse.”
Jacqui was Anton’s last celebrity partner, before he joined the judging panel for the 19th series. During the series – which ran for just nine weeks instead of the usual 13, due to the coronavirus pandemic – Jacqui was eliminated first after losing the dreaded dance-off to former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing, who went on to be one of the runners-up in the series.
Speaking after the result, Jacqui said: “I’ve had the greatest adventure it’s possible to imagine. I’m just sorry I can’t continue it with this man, who has been absolutely fantastic and gorgeous to work with.
“But I don’t feel too much shame losing to these guys, because they are a fantastic bunch of dancers. They really are. I’ll be watching you and supporting you!”
The political commentator also spoke highly of her dance partner, as well as the team behind the scenes of the show.
She added: “He’s an absolute joy to be with. I’m so pleased and proud to have spent this time with him. And to everybody on the programme – I mean, I don’t think people realise just how brilliant the team is that puts this programme together. And if ever we needed Strictly, we need it now. So thank you so much.”
Jacqui, a former MP for Redditch, was appointed Home Secretary by Gordon Brown in 2007. She resigned from the post in 2010 after she apologised for wrongly claiming £116,000 in second home allowances.
It later emerged Richard – who ran her constituency office on a wage of £40,000 a year – watched pay-per-view adult movies, which were then claimed back for reimbursement.
Speaking about the split, Jacqui said at the time: “I’m enormously sad our 33-year partnership has come to an end but I’ll always be grateful to Richard for the love, family and career we share.”
