Claudia Winkleman Joins Channel 4's Crufts Presenting Team
Claudia Winkleman is set to join the Channel 4 presenting team for Crufts, the world's most famous dog show, just months after stepping down from her role on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. The 54-year-old television host, who co-hosted Strictly with Tess Daly until December 2025, expressed her excitement about bringing four days of canine action from Birmingham's NEC to viewers across the UK.
A New Chapter for the Beloved Presenter
Winkleman will work alongside broadcaster Clare Balding, Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds, and television presenter Radzi Chinyanganya during the event. In a statement, Claudia said: 'I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I'd rather be. I can't wait to join this incredible team, and I'm so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.'
Clare Balding, who has led Channel 4's coverage of Crufts since 2010 and participated in the first series of BBC's The Celebrity Traitors in 2025, said she cannot wait to be reunited with Claudia from Thursday, March 5. Balding commented: 'I'm really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team. She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style.'
Channel 4's Excitement and Expanded Coverage
Channel 4 has expressed delight at Winkleman's signing. Pete Andrews, Head of Sport at the broadcaster, stated: 'Crufts holds a special place in the hearts of Channel 4 viewers. There is no other event like it, and it is such a thrill to be welcoming Claudia to our brilliant gang of presenters and adding to our celebration of all things dog.'
Crufts will feature pooches participating in breed judging, agility, flyball, and Heelwork to Music competitions, culminating in the prestigious Best in Show title. The event will broadcast over 20 hours of live television across Channel 4 and More4, offering extensive coverage to dog enthusiasts nationwide.
Supporting Cast and Personal Canine Passion
Radzi Chinyanganya, 39, and Ellie Simmonds, 31, will return to provide ground reports from inside Birmingham's NEC, delivering the latest news, features, and interviews. Resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow will offer viewers expert tips for dog care, while commentators Jim Rosenthal, 78, and Frank Kane will provide analysis throughout the four-day spectacle.
Claudia's appointment follows her recent candid confession about her deep affection for her dog, Skip. On Katy Burke's Where There's a Will There's a Wake podcast, she humorously admitted to unconventional bonding methods, saying: 'I open his mouth and insert my tongue. I do.' She added that she sings lullabies to Skip and treats him like family, much to her husband's amusement.
Watch Crufts on Channel 4 and More4 from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, as Claudia Winkleman brings her unique charm and love for dogs to this beloved annual event.
