Claudia Winkleman, the host of BBC's hit reality show The Traitors, has been praised by series three winner Jake Brown for her down-to-earth nature off-screen. Brown, who shared the £94,600 prize fund with fellow winner Leanne Quigley, admitted he was "taken aback" by how normal the presenter is behind the scenes.
Winners Share Their Impressions
Speaking to The Sun's TV Mag, Brown said: "I was taken aback by how normal she is. Claudia's one of those celebrities who's even better than she appears on TV." Leanne Quigley added: "Claudia's the perfect host. She has a big heart and I think she wanted to check in on us, but she had to keep the persona."
Show's Return and Origins
The civilian version of The Traitors returns to BBC screens on New Year's Day, featuring new contestants competing as Traitors or Faithfuls for a cash prize. Since its UK debut in 2023, the show has become a runaway success. Claudia recalled its humble beginnings: "It started with just a gang of us on a train, carrying fingerless red pleather gloves and a few ceremonial pouches, and I like to still think of it as that tiny show... I'm incredibly lucky and grateful. I have to pinch myself every single time."
Producers' First Choice Wasn't Winkleman
Despite her pivotal role, producers initially considered other hosts. Kate Philips revealed on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast that they approached Scottish actor Alan Cumming, who had been signed for the US version, but he declined due to scheduling conflicts. Philips then suggested Claudia, having worked with her on Strictly Come Dancing. She explained: "The thing about Claudia on Strictly is she's brilliant on that show but she's brilliant because she's interested in the people more than the dancing."
