Claudia Winkleman has candidly revealed that her decision to introduce a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Skip into her family home was met with initial 'horror' from her loved ones. The beloved television presenter, who is set to launch her highly-anticipated BBC One chat show later this month, opened up about this major domestic change in an interview with the Daily Mail's Weekend Magazine.
A Surprise That Shocked the Household
Winkleman admitted she sprung the dog onto her family as a complete surprise, telling the publication: 'I didn't tell anyone, then I went and got him.' She described their reaction as one of sheer horror, though she was quick to add that this sentiment rapidly transformed into what she calls 'pure love.' The family had previously been firmly against the idea of getting a pet.
Family Resistance and Eventual Acceptance
In a prior conversation with The Times, Winkleman recounted her family's opposition, quoting them as saying: 'Absolutely not mum, we're just not a dog family. We don't have a garden, so it's not fair on the dog.' Despite this resistance, the determined presenter went ahead with her plan to bring a four-legged friend into their Grade II-listed central London townhouse, which she shares with her film producer husband Kris Thykier and their three children: Jake, 22, Matilda, 19, and Arthur, 14.
Skip's Demanding Schedule and Family Integration
These days, Skip is a fully established and demanding member of the Winkleman-Thykier household. Claudia humorously noted that the dog now insists everyone works around his schedule, revealing: 'Skip woke me up at four this morning for a little chat. The husband's concerned.' This comment highlights the ongoing adjustments the family has made since the pet's arrival.
Winkleman's Profound Devotion to Her Pet
The 54-year-old presenter is utterly devoted to Skip, describing him as 'divine' and admitting to an unusually close bond. 'I French kiss him. I licked his entire tongue once,' she confessed. Despite describing herself as 'the laziest person in the world' who has never hung up a towel and delegated dishwasher duties to her children from a young age, Winkleman takes her responsibilities to Skip with the utmost seriousness.
She emphatically stated: 'I knew he was my responsibility. Nobody else had to pick up the poo or do the walking. I slept on the floor next to him until he got used to the new house. I take him on four walks a day.' This commitment underscores her dedication, contrasting sharply with her self-professed lax approach to other domestic chores.
Career Perspective and Canine Passion
Winkleman has previously reflected on her showbiz career as temporary, while her relationship with Skip is permanent. 'I'll blink and someone else will have my job,' she remarked, adding, 'That's fine. I'll have my dog.' This sentiment reveals her prioritization of personal bonds over professional accolades.
Expanding Her Canine Broadcasting Ambitions
Her passion for dogs extends beyond Skip. The host of diverse programs including This Morning, Comic Relief's Fame Academy, and The House of Tiny Tearaways has been lobbying Channel 4 for years to present their coverage of the prestigious Crufts dog show. She delightedly announced they have 'finally relented' and given her the job.
However, Winkleman admits to feeling some anxiety about this new role. 'I get into bed and read books on dog breeds, because I'm nervous about that... you don't want to let anybody down,' she shared, demonstrating her conscientious approach to the opportunity. This new gig represents a perfect fusion of her professional broadcasting skills and personal canine enthusiasm.
From initial family horror to established household member, Skip's journey into the Winkleman-Thykier home illustrates how a surprising decision can evolve into a source of pure love and daily routine adjustments, all while Claudia Winkleman balances her thriving television career with her profound devotion to her four-legged companion.
