The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing host is set to take on a new series
Claudia Winkleman is reportedly set to host a new chat show on the BBC by early next year. Sources suggest that production is being fast-tracked so the series can debut shortly after her final appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, which she recently announced she was leaving.
The 53-year-old presenter, who has seen significant ratings success with The Celebrity Traitors, has cleared her schedule for this new venture and will not be returning to present Channel 4’s quiz show One Question.
As per The Sun, BBC chiefs are planning to broadcast Claudia’s yet-to-be-named series on Friday nights, with a projected start date in March and a run extending until May.
A TV insider told the newspaper: “If ever proof were needed Claudia is now very much the BBC’s golden girl after the huge success of The Celebrity Traitors, this is it. Given that Strictly started in September, it means that by the time her new chat show concludes she will have been on our screens almost constantly for eight months.”
The source added: “And they’re some of the biggest TV successes the BBC has ever seen – with the chat show expected to enjoy equally huge ratings when it debuts. Work is hugely picking up pace, although the Beeb have yet to fully form the plan and announce it, though they’re expected to reveal more details next month.”
Claudia is presently filming the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing with co-host Tess Daly, before diving straight into production for the third series of The Traitors, set to air in January. Despite stepping back from One Question, Claudia is anticipated to return as host for a fourth season of The Piano on Channel 4.
Industry insiders have revealed that filming for the fifth series of The Traitors is expected to kick off at Ardross Castle around May, leaving her with minimal downtime between projects.
Talks about the BBC chat show reportedly started when Claudia and Tess decided to exit Strictly.
Earlier this year, the duo confirmed they would be leaving the long-standing dance competition after the current season to pursue new ventures.
Another source stated: “When word of her chat show first came out, most people thought it would be months, perhaps a year at least, before it got off the ground. Nobody expected it to be on our screens in a time frame measured in weeks. But execs want to ride the wave of her popularity and secure the next chapter of her career on the BBC.”
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