Renowned television host Graham Norton has come to the defense of Claudia Winkleman following criticism of her new BBC chat show as “boring.” Known for her successful stints on popular BBC programs like “The Traitors” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” Claudia’s debut show, “The Claudia Winkleman Show,” generated high expectations when it premiered.

The first episode featured guests Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders, and Tom Allen joining Claudia on the show. Despite this star-studded lineup, opinions on the show have been mixed. Critics, including the Mail’s Richard Eden, described it as “mixed,” with terms like “mess,” “mistake,” and “bore” being used.

The critique mainly stemmed from a review by The Telegraph’s Anita Singh, who mentioned “first-night nerves” affecting the debut episode’s flow, branding it as somewhat dull. Jeff Goldblum’s unconventional antics, such as discussing his favorite pencil, and his description of BBC One’s Friday nights as “cosy but mundane,” contributed to this perception.

In a show of support, Graham Norton, whose own chat show airs in the same Friday night slot, defended Claudia’s approach. He emphasized that Claudia should stay true to herself rather than imitate others, praising her for embodying her unique style successfully. While receiving mixed reviews, with The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan calling it “a mess” and The Independent’s Nick Hilton rating it three stars with room for improvement, The Sun’s Felicity Cross found it “endearing” despite some awkward moments.

Viewers expressed varying opinions, with some comparing Claudia’s show to Norton’s and suggesting the need for innovation, while others appreciated the distinct charm Claudia brings to the format. Separately, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Carlos Gu shared admiration for Claudia and Tess Daly, acknowledging their iconic status within the industry.

Carlos expressed his fondness for Claudia’s personality, describing her as “kooky” yet witty and cool. He highlighted her self-assurance and value, praising her confidence and acknowledging Tess Daly’s similar qualities. Despite Claudia and Tess’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing, Carlos expressed his respect for their contributions to the show.