Claudia Winkleman's BBC Chat Show Debuts with Hollywood and Comedy Stars
The BBC has released an exclusive first look at The Claudia Winkleman Show, confirming a star-studded lineup for its premiere episode. The debut will feature Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, British comedy icon Jennifer Saunders from Absolutely Fabulous, comedian Tom Allen, and Vanessa Williams, known for her role in The Devil Wears Prada. This announcement follows last month's revelation that Claudia Winkleman, 54, would return to television with a live audience and high-profile guests from film, television, and music.
Humorous Teaser and Show Details
In a sneak peek clip, Claudia Winkleman is seen in the studio, joking that the BBC's decision to give her a self-titled show was "an error." She addressed fans, saying, "Hello, they've given me a talkshow - agreed, an error. Here's some information, there is an audience, they're lovely, and brilliant guests. It might be excruciating." The show is set to launch on BBC One on Friday, 13 March, at 10:40 pm, with a synopsis describing it as a brand-new series filled with celebrity guests, hilarious stories, and Claudia's signature warmth and wit.
Adding to the promotional buzz, Claudia mocked her own use of fake tan in a teaser clip, where she slapped orange paint on her face and declared, "I'm ready!" In a trailer, she was shown placing small oranges into a bucket of gloop, humorously noting the color "isn't orange enough" for her preference. She continued, "Yes, just still not orange enough... Hi, it's Claud here. I have a new show, I am really getting prepared. They want me to tell you it starts on Friday the 13th, well, I've had a good run." After applying the paint and pouting at the camera, she concluded, "Yep, I'm ready," before walking off-screen.
Claudia's Excitement and BBC Praise
Speaking about her new role, Claudia expressed disbelief and gratitude, stating, "I can't quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I'm obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I'm over the moon they’re letting me try." Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, praised Claudia, calling her a "true national treasure - warm, witty and endlessly entertaining." She added, "She has an extraordinary ability to put people at ease and bring out the very best in them, whether they’re global superstars or members of the audience. It's very exciting that she will be fronting her very own show on the BBC, and we can't wait for viewers to join Claudia and her sofa full of stars."
Claudia's Recent Hosting Experience at Crufts
In related news, Claudia Winkleman recently co-hosted Crufts on Channel 4 alongside Clare Balding, describing it as "the best day of her life" and even better than her wedding. During the event at Birmingham's NEC, which attracts over 150,000 visitors over four days, Claudia interviewed guests and dog owners, explored shopping stands, and participated in a grooming competition. She joined the Southern Golden Retriever Society’s Display Team, a group of 22 dogs and handlers performing complex routines, and tried her hand at handling a dog named Honey after brief training.
Claudia told Clare Balding, "I'm lucky enough to be with the Southern Golden Retriever display team, and they're going to let me walk with them as they do their routine. They have been here for 25 years and will be performing on Saturday and Sunday." She humorously struggled during the routine, with Honey wandering off and not following cues, leading Claudia to say, "Clare, are you ready to be both appalled and alarmed?" Despite the challenges, she praised the team's "majestic" performance and reiterated, "Best day of my life. I quite liked my wedding, this is better."
The Claudia Winkleman Show premieres on March 13 at 10:40 pm on BBC One and iPlayer, promising an entertaining mix of celebrity interviews and Claudia's unique charm.
