Claudia Winkleman Describes New BBC Chat Show as 'A Total Privilege and Also Completely Nerve-Racking'
Claudia Winkleman has opened up about the launch of her new chat show on BBC One, describing it as both a 'total privilege and also completely nerve-racking'. The presenter, renowned for her distinctive style and long-running role on Strictly Come Dancing, is set to debut The Claudia Winkleman Show later this month, admitting the venture feels 'really scary'.
Star-Studded Line-Up and Intimate Format
The inaugural episode will feature a high-profile roster of guests, including Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, actresses Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Saunders, and comedian Tom Allen. Filmed weekly in front of a live studio audience, the programme promises an engaging and intimate format designed to foster relaxed conversations.
Discussing her hosting approach, Winkleman revealed that guests will be seated on a 'green sofa' and shared her quirky inspiration: 'I’m trying to dress like Michael Aspel with a touch of Michael Caine.' Her goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere, stating, 'I know my job is to make sure the guests have a great time and feel relaxed – I imagine I’ll ask them about their favourite biscuits, and their dog and people will actually fall asleep.'
Respect for Graham Norton and Superstitious Launch Date
Addressing the direct competition with The Graham Norton Show, which previously occupied the same coveted Friday night slot, Winkleman expressed immense respect. 'It’s an enormous honour,' she said, adding, 'He is the king, the best of the best. He’s incredibly generous and charming and easy to talk to and that’s why he always has the best guests.' She reiterated her mixed feelings of privilege and nervousness about sharing the timeslot.
With the show launching on Friday 13th, Winkleman confessed to being superstitious. She plans to offer celebrity guests 'beer, crisps and some biscuits I’ll have made, which will be both raw and burnt'. Reflecting on the date, she joked, 'All I can tell you is that if I see a single magpie, I salute them and ask them about their husband or wife. I then think the day’s a write off and try and get back into bed with my eyes closed. Starting on Friday 13 means it’s going to have a freakishly short run.'
Inspirations and Teasers
Having recently stepped down from presenting Strictly Come Dancing after 15 years and fronting the hit series The Traitors, Winkleman cited other chat show hosts like Jonathan Ross and Alan Carr as inspirations. She also noted, 'I always have Radio 2 or 4 on and love listening to people ask and answer questions.'
The BBC recently released a 32-second teaser for the show, featuring Winkleman in a self-deprecating moment. The clip showed her, with her trademark long dark fringe, heavily lined eyes, and tanned face, stirring a large vat of bright orange paint before daubing a stripe across her cheek, hinting at the playful and unconventional style viewers can expect.
