Claudia Winkleman

Claudia Winkleman is an English television presenter, radio host, journalist, and writer known for hosting BBC programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors.

Claudia Winkleman is an English television presenter, radio host, journalist, and writer. She is known for hosting BBC programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors. Born in London in 1972, she has worked in British broadcasting for three decades and won the BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance in 2023.

Early life

Claudia Winkleman was born on 15 January 1972 in London, England. She is the daughter of journalist Eve Pollard and publisher Barry Winkleman. She studied History of Art at Cambridge University before moving into broadcasting.

Broadcasting career

Winkleman's career has included television, radio, film criticism, and writing, with long-running work at the BBC. She presented Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two from 2004 to 2010. In 2010, she became co-presenter of the main Strictly Come Dancing show on BBC One, taking over after Bruce Forsyth. She began hosting The Traitors in 2022, a BBC reality competition series. She has also hosted programmes such as The Piano and The Great British Sewing Bee. Additionally, she has hosted BBC Radio 2 programmes and written columns for UK newspapers.

Recognition

Winkleman has received multiple BAFTA nominations. In 2023, she won the BAFTA for Best Entertainment Performance. She was also appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours.

Personal life

Winkleman is married to film producer Kris Thykier. They have three children and live in London.