Claudia Winkleman to Launch BBC Chat Show Following Strictly Departure
In a move that signals the BBC's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, beloved presenter Claudia Winkleman has been handed her own primetime chat show, set to debut in spring 2026.
The 53-year-old broadcaster, who recently departed Strictly Come Dancing alongside co-host Tess Daly, will front The Claudia Winkleman Show, bringing her trademark warmth and wit to BBC One's entertainment lineup.
"I can't quite believe it and I'm incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity," Winkleman said with characteristic humility. "I'm obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I'm over the moon they're letting me try."
A Natural Progression for a Broadcasting Icon
The announcement comes as no surprise to those who have watched Winkleman's career flourish across multiple BBC platforms. Currently hosting the critically acclaimed reality series The Traitors, she has proven her ability to connect with audiences through authentic, engaging television.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC's head of entertainment commissioning, praised Winkleman as "a true national treasure" who possesses "an extraordinary ability to put people at ease and bring out the very best in them."
This sentiment reflects the kind of inclusive, people-centered approach to broadcasting that resonates with audiences seeking genuine connection in an increasingly digital world.
Quality Production Behind the Scenes
The show will be produced by So Television, the company responsible for The Graham Norton Show, ensuring high production values and industry expertise. Graham Stuart, the company's managing director, expressed confidence in the choice: "How can you possibly follow Graham Norton? By booking a host equally as brilliant."
Winkleman's journey from presenting companion shows to fronting primetime entertainment demonstrates the BBC's commitment to developing talent from within, rather than relying solely on external acquisitions.
A Career Built on Authenticity
Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, Winkleman has become synonymous with quality entertainment television. Her partnership with Tess Daly on the main show from 2014 culminated in a BAFTA win for best entertainment programme in 2024.
Her individual recognition came in 2023 when she won the BAFTA for best entertainment performance for her work on The Traitors, cementing her status as one of Britain's most respected presenters.
The new chat show format will see Winkleman interview celebrities in front of a studio audience, promising the kind of intimate yet entertaining atmosphere that has made her previous work so compelling.
The Claudia Winkleman Show will air on BBC One in spring 2026, with celebrity guests and specific broadcast details to be announced in the coming months.