Why Winkleman could be at the riskiest point of her career

A friend of mine doesn't like Claudia Winkleman.

- Helen Coffey, The Independent

Claudia Winkleman

Hates her, in fact. (She's too “knowingly quirky”, apparently) It is such a rogue opinion that I never seem to be able to retain the information in my brain. Every time her name crops up — and it does more than you'd think, what with the presenter’s prime gigs co-hosting the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and latterly as the face of the phenomenally popular strategy gameshow The Traitors — he professes his disdain once more and I gape at him afresh as if it's my first time hearing it.“But how can you not like Claudia Winkleman?” I always ask, aghast. “She’s practically a national treasure!” Winkleman has, in fact, not quite ascended to this hallowed status just yet, joining an elite list that includes the likes of David Attenborough, Judi Dench and Olivia Colman. But she’s well on her way. Barring my contrarian outlier of a friend, it very much feels as if Winkleman has become universally adored by UK audiences, as evidenced by her growing presence as an onscreen staple. Aside from her current position as reigning queen of the country’s most successful bit of reality telly — including the excellent inaugural celebrity version this autumn, in which a hysterical Alan Carr emerged victorious — Winkleman was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to broadcasting.

Now, following the shock news that she and Tess Daly are to step down from Strictly, Winkleman is poised to take on another role that will thrust her even further into the spotlight.