The Traitors winner Jake Brown has revealed that presenter Claudia Winkleman is 'even better than she appears on TV', describing her as remarkably normal off-camera.
Winner's Surprise at Claudia's True Nature
Jake Brown, who shared the £94,600 prize fund with fellow winner Leanne Quigley in Series Three, said he was 'taken aback' by how genuine Claudia is away from the cameras. Speaking to The Sun's TV Mag, Brown stated: 'I was taken aback by how normal she is. Claudia's one of those celebrities who's even better than she appears on TV.'
Co-winner Leanne Quigley echoed the sentiment, adding: '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 Claudia's Central Role
The civilian version of The Traitors is set to return to BBC screens on New Year's Day, with new contestants vying for the prize pot as either Traitors or Faithfuls. Since its UK launch in 2023, following success across Europe, the show has become a remarkable hit with British audiences.
Claudia Winkleman has been central to the show's widespread appeal, playing a pivotal role in captivating viewers nationwide. She recently stepped down from Strictly Come Dancing alongside co-host Tess Daly.
Reflecting on the show's modest beginnings, Claudia told the publication: '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.'
Claudia Was Not First Choice for Host
Despite her natural hosting abilities, it has emerged that Claudia was not the producers' original choice. During an appearance on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, executive producer Kate Philips disclosed they had considered several other personalities, including Scottish actor Alan Cumming, before deciding on Claudia.
Philips explained: 'We were looking at hosts. And Alan Cumming had been signed to do the American one, and I thought "well Alan's known here". So we did actually, full disclosure, ask Alan if he would do it. But he couldn't do it with our dates because America were going first and then we were going and he had another job so he couldn't do it.'
She continued: 'Then we were thinking who else? ... And I just thought of Claudia, as I'd worked with her on Strictly. And 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. So, I rang Claudia. I rang her up and she's a good friend and she's always open to new challenges.'
Claudia Winkleman will also return to Channel 4 on Sunday to search for Britain's best amateur pianists alongside Mika and guest judges.
