Claudia Winkleman is something of a contradiction in terms.
She’s been on our screens forever – first appearing on the travel show Holiday back in 1992 – but at the moment it seems like she’s also an overnight success.
A safe pair of hands on Strictly for more than a decade, providing wit and mischief to liven up what is sometimes an over-long, rigidly formulaic format, Claudia has now broken through as the most exciting female star on TV.
The RTS Award and TV BAFTA nomination are merely confirmation of what has been obvious for ages now. 2023 feels very much The Year Of The Winkleman.
Claudia made The Traitors the huge success it was, becoming as engrossed and mesmerised by the game’s twists and turns as viewers were. Her enthusiasm and excitement felt entirely genuine, making them even more infectious.
Her trademark look – fringe, tan, pale lipstick, statement knitwear – is so iconic that when Dawn French and Mary Berry dressed as her for Comic Relief, they were instantly recognisable.
Claudia is a unique talent in a sea of bland presenters. She’s clever, quick, and a good laugh.
She’s struck gold with viewers all round – men fancy her, women want to know where she bought her outfit and how she gets her hair so shiny, kids think she’s fun.
She’s aced family entertainment shows like Strictly, intrigue and drama like The Traitors, and heart-warming shows like The Piano.
What will she turn her fake-tanned hand to next? Whatever the answer, we’ll be watching.
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