The BBC has officially unveiled The Claudia Winkleman Show, a brand-new chat show fronted by one of British TV’s most beloved presenters, set to launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in spring 2026.
Claudia Winkleman, best known for her warm, witty presenting on Strictly Come Dancing and as the host of The Traitors, will take centre stage in her own weekly talk series. Across seven 50-minute episodes, Winkleman will welcome a “sofa full of stars” for lively conversations with celebrity guests from film, TV, music and more – all in front of a live studio audience.
Claudia’s Big Leap into Chat Show Territory
After more than a decade co-hosting Strictly alongside Tess Daly, Winkleman stepped back from the dancing show late in 2025, and now, she’s pivoting to headline her own prime-time entertainment series, cementing her status as one of the BBC’s flagship personalities.
In her typically self-deprecating style, Claudia quipped upon the announcement: “I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”
Produced by Chat Show Royalty
The new show is being made by So Television, the production company behind The Graham Norton Show, one of the BBC’s most enduring entertainment formats. While Norton’s show continues to dominate autumn and winter schedules, Claudia’s series will bring a fresh spring energy to the BBC’s late-night line-up.
BBC’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning, Kalpna Patel-Knight, described Winkleman as a “true national treasure — warm, witty and endlessly entertaining”, praising her gift for putting guests at ease and sparking memorable moments.
What to Expect Next
Details on specific air dates, broadcast times and the first wave of celebrity guests are expected to be announced closer to the spring launch. With a star presenter, an experienced production team, and the promise of big names on the sofa, the show is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated new entertainment premieres.