Claudia Winkleman recently shared her initial concerns about a significant television opportunity, admitting to expressing doubts to her husband that the project might not succeed. Best known for co-hosting the popular show Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly until their surprising departure last year, Winkleman confessed to having reservations before accepting what turned out to be a highly successful venture in her career.
Recalling the pivotal moment, Winkleman disclosed to Closer magazine that she had hesitations about taking on the show Traitors, confiding in her husband that she believed it was doomed. However, after being urged to watch an international version and take a leap of faith, the gamble paid off. The UK adaptation of The Traitors, launched in 2022, quickly gained popularity, leading to multiple successful seasons and a celebrity spin-off, solidifying Winkleman’s status as a prominent figure in British television.
Despite her accomplishments, Winkleman admitted that the experience still evokes a sense of unease, describing it as oddly discomforting yet acknowledging her immense fortune. Apart from her involvement in reality television, Winkleman has ventured into new career avenues. She recently helmed her own talk show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, on BBC One. Although the program marked a significant milestone, she recognized that it received a mixed reception, labeling the role as nerve-wracking and initially unlikable.
Despite her widespread presence on British TV, Winkleman remains hesitant to embrace the notion of being a celebrity. She emphasized that she doesn’t consider herself famous, opting to use public transportation without drawing attention to her TV roles. Winkleman believes that fame is a mindset rather than a reality. Outside the spotlight, she leads a family-oriented life with her husband, Kris Thykier, and their three children: Jake, Matilda, and Arthur. According to Winkleman, her family is largely unfazed by her public persona, with none of her children showing interest in pursuing a career in entertainment.
Winkleman and Tess Daly shared an illustrious 11-year run as the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, becoming one of the most iconic presenting duos on British television. Winkleman also revealed to Closer magazine that she and Daly have already made plans to watch and support the upcoming series of the show together, enjoying a casual evening with jacket potatoes and salmon at Winkleman’s home.