The BBC is making a significant financial investment in a new primetime chat show hosted by Claudia Winkleman, which is set to debut next month with a distinctive 'sexy private members' club' aesthetic. The programme marks a major career move for Winkleman, who announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing last year alongside co-host Tess Daly.
A Lavish Production Inspired by The Traitors
Reports indicate the corporation is pumping millions of pounds into the production, aiming to create a visually striking environment for the interviews. The set design is said to draw direct inspiration from the infamous Scottish castle featured in the hit BBC series The Traitors, where Winkleman serves as host. Specifically, the show's decor will emulate the homely chic atmosphere of the castle's billiards room and swanky bar areas.
Creating a Unique 'Sexy' Vibe
A source close to the production revealed to The Sun that the aim is to blend modern and heritage elements, creating a vibe that feels like "The Traitors, but sexier." The set will purposefully avoid a full stately home aesthetic, instead opting for what insiders describe as a "sexy private members' club" feel. This design choice is intended to reflect elements now synonymous with Winkleman's television persona.
The 54-year-old presenter, also known for her role on The Traitors, will interview A-list celebrities from film, television, music, and other fields in front of a live studio audience. The production is being handled by So Television, the company behind the successful Graham Norton Show.
Winkleman and BBC Executives Express Excitement
Speaking about her new role, Claudia Winkleman expressed both excitement and characteristic self-deprecation. "I can't quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity," she said. "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 Winkleman as a "true national treasure" known for being "warm, witty and endlessly entertaining." Patel-Knight highlighted Winkleman's ability to put guests at ease and draw out their best qualities, whether they are global superstars or audience members. "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," she added.
Following in Graham Norton's Footsteps
Graham Stuart, Managing Director of So Television and Executive Producer on the project, acknowledged the challenge of following Graham Norton's iconic Friday night talk show. "Graham Norton has made the Friday night talk show slot a dazzling appointment to view. How can you possibly follow that? By booking a host equally as brilliant. So we have," Stuart stated.
Winkleman's departure from Strictly Come Dancing last year came as a surprise to many viewers. She and Tess Daly issued a joint statement expressing their love for working as a duo and calling their time hosting Strictly "an absolute dream." They confirmed they always planned to leave together and felt the timing was right, promising to enjoy the remainder of that series while emotionally preparing for their final sign-off.
