Claudia Winkleman is stepping away from her BBC chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, after just one season. The Traitors host admitted she never felt comfortable with the format. She said the experience left her “too nervous to enjoy” it.
Claudia Winkleman says nerves drove her to quit BBC talk show
Claudia Winkleman has officially quit The Claudia Winkleman Show after just seven episodes. The BBC launched the chat show earlier this year following the huge success of The Traitors. Despite attracting well-known guests and solid ratings, Winkleman decided not to continue with another season.
In a statement, she thanked the BBC, her guests, and the production team before explaining her decision. “I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for giving me the opportunity, to the guests who agreed to come and chat to me, and the production team who were simply excellent.”
She then revealed why she chose to leave. “Sometimes you have to try something to see how it fits, and I realised I was just too nervous to enjoy it.” Winkleman also left the door open for a possible return in the future.
“Maybe one day I will give it another try, but for now I already have the best jobs in the world and absolutely love the shows I’m doing.” The chat show premiered in March and featured guests including Jeff Goldblum, Lisa Kudrow, Anna Faris, Chase Infiniti, James McAvoy, Dan Levy and more.
While the series drew good numbers in ratting, it received mixed reviews from critics. BBC entertainment director Ed Havard praised Winkleman despite the cancellation. “Claudia’s warmth and quick wit made The Claudia Winkleman Show an absolute joy.”
He added, “Whilst we loved the show, we fully respect her decision and would like to thank Claudia and the brilliant team at So Television for bringing the series to screen on the BBC.” Havard also confirmed Winkleman’s fan will not have to wait long to see her again.
“As the host of the country’s most-watched show, Claudia will be back on the BBC very soon when The Celebrity Traitors returns later this year, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for the new band of celebs.”
Even though the chat show has ended after one season, Claudia Winkleman remains one of the busiest television hosts as fans will still see plenty of Winkleman on television soon. She returns later this year with Celebrity Traitors and will host The Piano on Channel 4 in UK.
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