The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman walks away from BBC show after just seven episodes
After a single seven-episode season, The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman is pulling the plug on her BBC chat series The Claudia Winkleman Show, admitting the format never felt right and left her too nervous to enjoy it.
It looks like Claudia Winkleman, who’s been on a serious hot streak with The Traitors, won’t be sticking around for a second round of her own BBC chat show. After just one season—seven episodes, to be precise—she’s bowed out from The Claudia Winkleman Show, apparently finding that the format just didn’t suit her.
Claudia Winkleman Calls Time on Her Own Chat Show
The series only launched in March off the back of Winkleman’s huge success steering The Traitors into TV phenomenon territory. Naturally, BBC fancied a bit more Claudia, handing her the reins to a new chat show where she grilled a fairly impressive guestlist (Jeff Goldblum, Lisa Kudrow, Anna Faris, James McAvoy, Dan Levy, and a few others whose agents presumably had a free night).
Despite solid viewing figures—people were absolutely tuning in—the critical response was a bit patchy. Some thought she nailed it, others not quite so convinced. In the end, it was Winkleman herself who pulled the plug.
'Too Nervous to Enjoy It'
In a statement that was both grateful and pretty honest (which you don’t always get with these celeb departures), she explained:
'Sometimes you have to try something to see how it fits, and I realised I was just too nervous to enjoy it.'
Winkleman thanked the BBC, her guests, and the production team, saying they were 'simply excellent'. She also left things open for the future, adding, '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.'
Who Showed Up?
- Jeff Goldblum
- Lisa Kudrow
- Anna Faris
- Chase Infiniti
- James McAvoy
- Dan Levy
- More besides—so not exactly struggling to pull in talent
The BBC's Take
Ed Havard, BBC’s entertainment boss, highlighted Winkleman’s 'warmth and quick wit', calling the short-lived show 'an absolute joy'. The BBC said they understood her decision and were quick to make it known they’ve got no hard feelings—thanking Claudia and So Television (the creatives behind the series) for making it happen.
And if you’re a fan, there’s not exactly a Claudia shortage on the horizon. Havard made it clear she’ll be back on the BBC 'very soon', once The Celebrity Traitors drops later in the year. Over on Channel 4 she’s also set to return with The Piano.