Claudia Winkleman, 54, returned to host Celebrity Traitors this week as a fresh set of celebrities entered the iconic castle for the game of deceit. Away from the screen, her life includes a royal family connection and a marriage to a famous film producer.
Together with her husband, she has three children: Jake, 23; Matilda, 20; and Arthur, 15. While she keeps most of her private life out of the spotlight, she has shared glimpses over the years.
Royal Connection Through Half-Sister
Claudia's half-sister Sophie Winkleman, known for her role as Big Suze on Peep Show, is married to Lord Frederick Windsor. The actress, related to Claudia through their father Barry, has also appeared in Death in Paradise and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Sophie married Lord Frederick Windsor in 2009. He is the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, second cousin to King Charles III, and 54th in line to the British throne. Sophie has been spotted at royal events and was seen laughing with King Charles at Royal Ascot.
Famous Husband Kris Thykier
Claudia married film producer Kris Thykier, 54, in 2000. He has worked on films including Kick-Ass and Operation Mincemeat, as well as Apple TV series Hijack and Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga.
Claudia told OK! Magazine she fell for Kris because of his kind nature: "What did it for me was how he behaved in restaurants, bars and planes – indeed, simply around people. 'Thanks so much', 'no rush', 'I'll carry it over for you', 'here, have a drink on us'."
"Having been a waitress every school holiday from the age of 16, it was just that magic characteristic that tipped me over," she added. She said he always asks the cab driver how his day is going and never takes a seat on the London Underground.
Claudia once said Kris made her "head shoot off her shoulders" when they took their clothes off. Speaking to Red Magazine about their marriage, she explained: "Working too hard puts a strain on – but we're still working hard now. We don't have rules, but we look after each other more. So, whoever comes home first normally makes the dinner. It's just about being nice to each other."
She told The Sun her love life will likely get a boost when her kids move out: "I'm sure it will be great. Me and husband will learn how to make stew and we'll read lots of books and we'll do tickling – that's code in case anyone is wondering."
Kids Nearly Made Her Quit Strictly
Claudia's love for her kids once nearly made her quit Strictly Come Dancing. Although she left the show alongside co-host Tess Daly last year, her time on it almost ended earlier.
On Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she said she phoned her bosses "in tears" over fears the show would clash with her son's move to university. Claudia said: "I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, 'Sarah, I love you. I don't want to leave Strictly, and Tess and I have agreed we will leave together when they're done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I'm out, and you'll have to go with somebody else.'"
"And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don't start that week.' I was like, 'Alright. I have to go and put up his posters.' It's not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through."
