Claudia Winkleman, the host of BBC's The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing, comes from a family with deep roots in the media and entertainment industries. The 50-year-old presenter was born in Hampstead, London, to parents Eve Pollard and Barry Winkleman, both of whom are journalists. Her mother Eve is a former editor of the Sunday Express, while her father was a successful book publisher. Claudia's parents divorced when she was three, and both later remarried.
Claudia's half-sister, Sophie Winkleman, is an actress best known for her role as Big Suze in the Channel 4 comedy Peep Show. She also appeared in the US sitcom Two and a Half Men alongside Ashton Kutcher. Sophie became Lady Sophie Windsor after marrying Lord Freddie Windsor, the son of Prince Michael of Kent. The couple have attended royal events, including the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor in 2019.
Claudia's own career began in 2001 with a regional discussion programme, Central Weekend. She rose to prominence as a presenter on Strictly Come Dancing, taking over the main show in 2014 after Bruce Forsyth's death. Her trademark fringe, eyeliner and wit have made her a Saturday night staple. She now also hosts the hit reality show The Traitors.
Claudia married film producer Kris Thykier in 2000. Thykier has worked on films such as Kick-Ass and The Woman in Gold, as well as the television series Riviera. The couple met through mutual friends in the 1990s and decided to marry in secret.
