Celebrity Traitors host Claudia Winkleman looks unrecognisable without her iconic fringe, as fans react to an old BBC clip showing her early broadcasting days.
For years, Claudia's dark hair and razor-sharp fringe have defined her image, playing a crucial role in her unmistakable look. But decades ago, during her early broadcasting days, she looked completely different, and audiences are finding it hard to believe the change after old clips previously emerged on Instagram courtesy of the BBC Archive.
Fans react to the 1996 clip
The footage was earlier posted with the caption: "1996: Claudia Winkleman on how to improve your pulling power #OnThisDay 1996: Claudia Winkleman had some top tips and choice chat-up lines to help men and women alike, to improve their pulling power." Clip taken from Good Morning with Anne and Nick, originally broadcast 3 May 1996.
When watching the clip, you'll notice that Claudia looks entirely transformed as she wears longer, fairer hair without any fringe at all. Predictably, this was the first thing people spotted, and many were absolutely gobsmacked by how different she looked. It's since racked up thousands of views.
Viewers share their reactions
Fans rushed to share their reactions on social media. One viewer gushed: "That's the first time I've seen Claudia's eyes. Aren't they lovely!" Meanwhile another declared: "Pre-fringe Winkleman!" A third commented: "Oh wow. I would never have known that was Claudia."
A fourth observer likewise stated: "I would never have recognised her!" Others chimed in, with one saying: "I don't think I would have recognised her!" While another pointed out: "She looked so different back then. I hardly recognise her." Despite universal consensus that she's always been "beautiful", countless viewers voiced amazement at her evolution over the years.
Claudia on her fringe and eyesight
The television host has previously opened up about her trademark hairstyle. Speaking to Good Housekeeping magazine, she admitted: "Even I know my fringe is bad. But basically I've got such bad eyesight, I can't see it anyway, so it's not a problem."
What many don't realise is that Claudia was born with severe myopia, and has struggled with impaired vision throughout her life, despite undergoing multiple surgical procedures. She further revealed to Good Housekeeping: "People tell me I'm squinting but, because my sight's so bad, it's made no difference whether my fringe is down to my nose. My fantasy is to have it so long I have to part it to answer a question!"
Previously, Claudia spoke candidly about her sight issues during an appearance on the How To Fail podcast. She revealed to the host: "I've always had terrible eyesight, which goes back to the blurriness of the paintings I like, and the blurriness of how I really like life to be. I've had a couple of operations since then because I was just banging into walls. But now I wear lenses or glasses or whatever."
