CLAUDIA Winkleman says she still suffers from self-doubt and “imposter syndrome” but has learned to embrace those feelings.
The Strictly Come Dancing host told Red Magazine: “People tell you that self-doubt and those feelings associated with impostor syndrome are things you shouldn’t feel, that they’re bad.
"Well, they’re wrong. I say it to my kids all the time – when they feel wobbly about an exam or they say, ‘Mum, I don’t want to go to the party,’ that’s perfectly fine. I have those moments every day.”
Claudia Winkleman in Red Magazine
Rachell SmithShe added: “When I stood in for Sara Cox on Radio 2 recently, I was so terrified that I thought I was going to be sick on myself.
"And every time Tess and I walk down the stairs at the beginning of Strictly, I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, what is going on?’ But I don’t do anything to get rid of that because to me, that’s gratitude. Besides, have you ever met someone who doesn’t suffer from self-doubt?”
Claudia Winkleman
Rachell SmithThe presenter and author has three children with her husband Kris Thykier.
Winkleman said her marriage to the film producer was strong because they “share” responsibilities.
“You see, Kris is very Scandinavian. We’ve been together for 22 years and he’s never once said to me, ‘What’s for dinner?’ It’s always been, ‘What shall we have for dinner?’
Claudia Winkleman in Red Magazine
Rachell Smith“So we share, and when one of us is snowed under, the other person will help.
"He knows that in the lead-up to the Strictly final, for example, I’m useless, so he might be in charge of getting Christmas presents for our nephews and nieces.”
She conceded: “I’m not a romantic person, he’s much more romantic than me, the poor guy!”
Claudia Winkleman for Red
Rachell SmithWhen it comes to parenting, Winkleman said she has made peace with the fact: “There’s loads of things I could be better at, it’s just a litany of mistakes that we make as parents, right? It’s endless. But the truth is, as my kids have got older, I’ve learned not to care if they think I’m a bit of a moron because they’re supposed to.”
The December issue of Red is on sale November 5.
