There’s a new chat show host in town – and she comes with black eyeliner, a glossy full fringe and wry smile that’s captured the heart of the nation. That’s right: Claudia Winkleman is making her late-night TV debut, swapping the Scottish Highlands for a swish soundstage full of buzzy celebrity guests.
Ever since Winkleman first entered The Traitors' castle as its delightfully devious host, it’s been clear that the presenter was due her headline moment. And while the betrayal-based game show provided the perfect arena to showcase her unmistakable star quality, it always left us wanting more. Having hosted everything from Strictly to Eurovision over the last 35 years, this is a woman who has gradually worked her way up to becoming British TV’s highest-rating host. So when we first heard the news that she’d bagged her own chat show, we only had one thought: about time.
The aptly-titled The Claudia Winkleman Show has been masterminded by the people behind The Graham Norton Show – which, mind you, has now endured for nearly 20 years, so you can be confident that Winkleman’s in safe hands. But this is more than a rinse and repeat job. Tonight’s sparkling debut promises to deliver Winkleman’s signature sense of humour, along with a few audience-participation surprises – including for viewers at home. Where would we be without our old faithful Winkleman?
When is Claudia Winkleman’s new chat show on?
The Claudia Winkleman Show is actually taking Graham Norton’s regular slot – for now, at least. Airing on BBC One at 10.40pm, Winkleman is just keeping the stalwart host’s seat warm until he returns to screens in September.
Big deal, right? The prestige of this late-night spot isn’t lost on Winkleman, either. In a recent interview with The Guardian, she hyped up Norton and the pressure that comes with taking his place. Norton is “the best of the best,” she said. “To be in the same slot is a total privilege and also completely nerve-racking.”
Who are her guests on Friday 13 March?
A Hollywood juggernaut? Check. A West End superstar? Check. A national treasure? Check. And a dose of comic relief? Check. Much like the roster on Celebrity Traitors, the lineup of guests for Winkleman’s first episode ticks every box – full of household names that even your borderline off-grid mates will recognise. Even if they don’t, it’s still worth the watch. Reports from audience members at the recording say it was a “riot”.
Hot off the heels of back-to-back roles in Wicked part one and two, our favourite eccentric celeb is returning with a new jazz album, Night Blooms, released with his band The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Expect to hear all about it when he sits in Winkleman’s hotseat – with some typically wild and unexpected anecdotes thrown in for good measure.
The queen of playing menacing magazine editors – first in Ugly Betty, now on the West End in The Devil Wears Prada musical – Williams joins the lineup to chat about her turn as Miranda Priestly on stage. That’s all.
In our hearts and minds, Jennifer Saunders will also be first and foremost remembered for her iconic role as Eddie in Ab Fab. But today, she’s nabbed a place on Winkleman’s sofa to discuss her new children’s film The Magic Faraway Tree. If it’s anything like her gig as the fairy godmother in Shrek 2, we’re seated.
You’ll most likely recognise Winkleman’s fourth and final guest from his regular appearances on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Bake Off spin-offs, as well as his hosting gig on The Apprentice aftershow. Now, the standup comedian has penned his first novel, Common Decency. Your next read, sorted – and all thanks to Claudia Winkleman.
