Claudia Winkleman

Claudia Winkleman’s broadcasting career commenced with frequent appearances on the BBC series ‘Holiday’ in 1991, a role that saw her travel globally as a reporter from diverse locations including Japan, India, Costa Rica, and Dubai throughout the mid-1990s. During this period, she also served as a reporter and interviewer for programs including ‘This Morning.’ In the late 1990s, she transitioned to hosting shows on digital channels such as L!VE TV and game shows including ‘Three’s a Crowd,’ ‘Talking Telephone Numbers,’ and ‘God’s Gift’ in 1996. From 2002 to 2004, Winkleman hosted the BBC Three entertainment update show ‘Liquid News.’ Concurrently, in 2003, she began presenting a daily update show for ‘Fame Academy’ on BBC Three, a role she reprised for ‘Comic Relief Does Fame Academy’ in 2005. That same year, she commenced hosting ‘Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two,’ the popular companion program, a position she held until 2011.

The show was renewed for a second series in 2023 and a third in 2025. In 2023, she also hosted ‘The Piano,’ a five-part Channel 4 competition show for amateur pianists, which was subsequently renewed for two additional series and a Christmas special. Her contributions to broadcasting were further recognized with her appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours, and as a trustee of the British Museum in 2025.