Claudia Winkleman Poised for Chatshow Deal as She Exits ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
The BBC is reportedly in advanced talks with television personality Claudia Winkleman to host her own chatshow, following her departure from the long-running hit series Strictly Come Dancing. The move comes after Winkleman, 53, and co-host Tess Daly, 56, announced their exit from the show at the end of the current season.
Winkleman’s potential new program, according to entertainment news site Deadline, would be produced by So Television – the company behind The Graham Norton Show. While a final agreement has not been reached, sources indicate discussions are at a “late stage,” with the intention of broadcasting the show during periods when Norton’s program is off-air.
The BBC views a primetime chatshow as a key priority, aiming for a “glitzy super high-end” production. One source described the desired aesthetic as “Jonathan Ross-esque” but with a more “classy” tone, and indicated the network is prepared to invest significantly to secure high-profile guests. “It’s the perfect job for Claudia,” the source stated, believing the role would elevate her career to new heights.
Winkleman’s journey to becoming a mainstay of British television began after graduating from the University of Cambridge with a degree in history of art. She initially worked as a travel writer before transitioning to broadcasting, cutting her teeth on a variety of programs including Central Weekend, Holiday, This Morning, Live TV, and Liquid News.
However, some industry experts question whether Winkleman’s skillset translates seamlessly to the chatshow format. Broadcaster and Guardian writer Mark Lawson emphasized the importance of format-presenter synergy, stating, “The crucial thing in broadcasting is that no presenter is better than the format that they have. That’s an unbreakable rule.” He highlighted Winkleman’s success with Strictly Come Dancing, The Traitors, and The Piano, attributing it to her “unusually unobtrusive” presenting style. “She has the sense, and also the personality, to get out of the way of the format and let it thrive,” Lawson explained. He cautioned that a chatshow demands a different approach, requiring the host to be “driving it and controlling it,” a quality he believes Winkleman may lack.
PR expert Mark Borkowski offered a contrasting perspective, recalling Winkleman’s early work on Liquid News and praising her “whip smart” delivery and ability to connect with audiences without resorting to cynicism. He noted her unique appeal in a media landscape saturated with reality television personalities, describing her as “an absolute star” and “emblematic of where real talent should be aiming for.” Borkowski also highlighted the importance of Winkleman’s distinctive personal brand, noting her “incredible stylist” and “idiosyncratic” look.
Winkleman’s current success extends beyond Strictly Come Dancing to include the hugely popular Celebrity Traitors, which currently draws approximately 11 million viewers for the BBC. Borkowski believes her ability to balance tension and humor on shows like The Traitors demonstrates her “calm” and “unflappable” demeanor, qualities essential for navigating the unpredictable nature of live television.
The BBC is reportedly keen to retain Winkleman’s services, hoping to prevent her from moving to rival network ITV, where she has previously filled in for Graham Norton. Her next career move is considered pivotal, as success in one format often leads to further opportunities. “Success rides the hamster-wheel of success,” Borkowski stated. “So the next move will absolutely be crucial. And I think she can do what she wants really.”
