Television presenter Claudia Winkleman recently opened up about the emotional balance she maintains during her work on shows like The Piano, which she co-hosts alongside Mika and Jon Batiste.
At 53, Claudia, best known for Strictly Come Dancing, explained that her role requires her to provide strength and safety to those sharing powerful stories, rather than becoming overwhelmed herself. Speaking to Radio Times Magazine, she said, “When somebody’s telling you their story and the power of it is overwhelming, my job is to give them some strength and safety.”
She also shared a touching moment with her father, who praised her performance on The Piano’s final last year, calling it the best work she has ever done. Claudia recalled, “After my dad watched last year’s final, he phoned me up in tears and said, ‘That’s by far the best thing you have ever done.’ That’s enough for me because I can never watch anything I’ve done back.”
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Claudia’s career has recently been celebrated with a nostalgic nod from Vernon Kay on his BBC Radio 2 show. Vernon played a clip from one of her earliest TV appearances in 1996, where she was introduced as a “chat up expert” on Good Morning with Anne and Nick. He reflected on how far she has come since then, becoming a national treasure and beloved television personality today.
Now a leading figure on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly and host of The Traitors, Claudia has expressed both gratitude and a candid concern about the uncertainty of a freelance career. She admitted, “I always panic because I’m freelance. I read out loud on tele and somebody might suddenly turn around and say, ‘We are done with her’. And that’s OK. I give them full permission, and I get it. I’d be like, ‘Byesy bye, night night, thank you, I’ve had a lovely run.’”
Through it all, Claudia Winkleman remains admired for her warmth, professionalism, and relatable honesty about the ups and downs of showbusiness.