A throwback clip of Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman, 49, has resurfaced, leaving fans branding the star 'unrecognisable'. The short video, from BBC's Good Morning show in 1996, shows the presenter without her iconic jet-black, shoulder-length cut and sheepdog-esque fringe, instead revealing a more natural, chocolate brown hairdo.
In the clip shared by the BBC Archive's Twitter account, a 24-year-old Claudia sports light chocolate brown locks swept into a long side fringe, a stark contrast to the blunt, full fringe she is now known for. The video was captioned: '#OnThisDay 1996: Good Morning with Anne and Nick drafted in some dating experts to provide some top tips for improving your pulling power.'
The Strictly favourite was introduced as 'chat-up connoisseur Claudia Winkleman' before host Nick asked for dating tips. When asked if she gets chatted up a lot, Claudia replied: 'I get very over excited if I do, I get into the car and turn on the engine with my teeth before he’s had a chance to say, “actually, I just wanted a light.”' She added that the only time it happened, the suitor had been turned down by her friend first.
Unconvinced, Nick pressed for 'pulling' advice. Claudia emphasised eye contact and encouraged men to embrace rejection. She said: 'If a girl comes up to you and says “have you got a light?” she’s got four boxes of matches in her bag. She does not want a light, she wants something else.'
Fans commented on the unearthed clip, with one writing: 'Was about to say, she's unrecognisable.' Another added: '@ClaudiaWinkle Before the Fringe.' Shortly after this appearance, Claudia adopted her edgier hairdo, telling Good Housekeeping: 'It started out quite wispy and floaty, but I immediately got my hairdresser to change it for a strong, Lego-like style. Once I saw that I fell in love and haven’t been without it since.'
