Graham Norton has come to the defence of Claudia Winkleman after her new chat show received mixed reviews from critics. The Claudia Winkleman Show premiered in the same Friday night slot on BBC One that Norton's show has occupied for years, and is produced by his company, So Television.
Some critics noted similarities between the two shows, while others found Winkleman's effort less polished. Norton, however, praised her for creating a programme that was distinctly her own. 'What Claudia did was The Claudia Winkleman Show, and that's what she's supposed to be doing,' he told the Daily Mail. 'She shouldn't be trying to be me. She should be trying to be Claudia, and she nailed that.'
The Guardian criticised the pilot for having too many guests and too much audience participation, while The Telegraph described it as 'cosy but mundane'. The Sun called it 'awkward' but 'endearing', and The Independent noted it has 'brilliant potential, but might need a few tweaks', adding that Norton's own show took time to find its footing.
Viewers, however, seemed more positive than critics, comparing the show favourably to Norton's and Ireland's Late Late Show. Winkleman, true to her self-deprecating style, had joked before the launch that she planned to 'ask [the guests] about their favourite biscuits and their dog and people will actually fall asleep'.
Upcoming episodes will feature guests including comedians Joanne McNally and Guz Khan, actor Rachel Zelger, and former One Direction star Niall Horan. The following week, Winkleman will chat with Jimmy Carr, Lisa Kudrow, and Chase Infiniti. The Claudia Winkleman Show airs Fridays on BBC One and streams on iPlayer.
