Claudia Winkleman's new BBC chat show is reportedly set to be renewed for a second series after the broadcaster was impressed by its viewing figures. The programme, which launched earlier this month following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, attracted 2.5 million viewers for its first episode within seven days, outperforming rival Graham Norton's debut episode which garnered 2.3 million.
Despite mixed reviews from critics and viewers, the show's overnight ratings have risen, with 1.4 million watching the third episode live, up from 1.3 million the previous week. The BBC is said to be 'thrilled' that the show's overnight figures increased by nearly 50 per cent when including iPlayer views, indicating strong appeal among younger audiences.
A source told The Sun: 'That's a particular bonus for them because it shows that the younger, more online-friendly market are interested in the show. And that looks like she's brought them across from her time fronting The Traitors which had a very broad market. That kind of shift really matters to the execs as that's where they see the future of telly lying.'
The source added that BBC chiefs are poised to approve another series if Winkleman agrees. However, her commitments to Celebrity Traitors and the civilian version could mean a second series would have to be filmed in the autumn.
Critics offered mixed opinions, with The Independent giving three stars and calling it a 'classy, witty affair that has brilliant potential', while The Guardian described it as 'a mess' despite loving Winkleman. The Times praised her humour but suggested she should 'relax more', and The Telegraph called it 'reassuringly nice' but not yet 'appointment-to-view TV'.
