Claudia Winkleman Unveils First Look at New BBC Chat Show with Green Set
Television presenter Claudia Winkleman has offered fans an exclusive first peek at her upcoming BBC chat show, set to debut on Friday, 13 March 2026. In a new teaser trailer, Winkleman showcased a vibrant green set, complete with white and burgundy wallpaper, marking a distinct visual departure from the iconic red sofa of Graham Norton and the purple hues of Jonathan Ross.
Winkleman's Self-Deprecating Humour and Celebrity Line-Up
In her characteristic self-deprecating style, Winkleman warned viewers that the show might be "excruciating". She quipped, "They've given me a talk show. Agreed. An error. Here's some information. There is an audience. They're lovely. There are brilliant guests. It might be excruciating." The trailer then revealed her first celebrity guests, including Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, actors Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Saunders, and comedian Tom Allen.
Historic Role as Only Female Late-Night Chat Show Host
The BBC announced in December 2025 that Winkleman, aged 53 and known for hosting The Traitors, would front her own weekly chat show filmed with a live studio audience. This makes her the only woman currently hosting a late-night talk show on British television, with The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show, and The Last Leg all led by male presenters. The last notable British late-night chat show hosted by a woman was Caroline Aherne's The Mrs Merton Show, which aired from 1993 to 1998, while Davina McCall's BBC One chat show in 2006 lasted only eight episodes due to low ratings.
Winkleman's Nerves and Honouring Graham Norton
Earlier in March, Winkleman admitted that launching her own series was both a "total privilege and also completely nerve-racking". She added, "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." As for taking over the Friday night slot from Graham Norton, who will return in September, Winkleman expressed it as "an enormous honour", praising Norton as "the king, the best of the best" for his generosity and charm.
Career Background and Future Projects
Winkleman began her presenting career as co-presenter of BBC One's Holiday before taking on reporter roles for This Morning, Liquid News, and Comic Relief Does Fame Academy. She joined the Strictly Come Dancing family in 2004 as host of It Takes Two, graduating to the main show in 2010. After 15 years, she stepped down alongside Tess Daly in 2025, stating they were always going to leave together. Winkleman remains busy as the face of The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, Channel 4's The Piano, and a role in the broadcaster's Crufts coverage this year.
The Claudia Winkleman Show will air on Friday, 13 March 2026, at 10:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer, offering a fresh take on late-night entertainment with a mix of humour and star-studded interviews.
