Ann Widdecombe has been crowned runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother, losing out to drag act Courtney Act.

Tonight's final stated with five celebrities facing eviction, with Wayne Sleep becoming the first to be evicted.

He was followed by glamour model Jess Impiazzi and Boyzone singer Shane Lynch.

Ann, who has regularly been named as a Bookies favourite to win, faced the public vote alongside Courtney Act, also known as Shane Jenek.

In a speech aired just before the result was announced, she said she never expected to make the final two, adding: "It has been very surprising indeed."

Host Emma Willis said Ann had often disagreed with Courtney, aka Shane on issues including abortion and LGBT rights, and asked if having met, Ann would think about things differently.

She relied: "No," before adding: "You don't reason yourself to a position over a number of years and then in the course of one conversation decide you have got it wrong.

"Coming second was an endorsement of free speech, but I expressed my freedom to say what is unfashionable."

There was also laughter when Emma asked if she was looking forward to returning to living alone with her cats, when Ann said: "There's no cats. I used to have, but they died."

During every eviction Ann has always muttered her name under her breath expecting to leave after a few days, and said she was bemused to have made the final.

The former Maidstone and the Weald MP also garnered strong praise from Jess Impiazzi, who spoke about her and actress Amanda Barrie in her exit interview.

She said Ann spoke to her about politics and let her speak and would never 'shut her down.'