Claudia Winkleman is expected to front her very own chat show for the BBC, after it was announced she would be stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 53-year-old presenter stunned audiences when she announced that she, alongside Tess Daly, would be handing “the very sparkly baton” on to a new host after two decades on the show.
But the glitterball bombshell may be in part due to Claudia’s next career move.
Sources has indicated that bosses at ‘the highest level’ of the Beeb are keen to give Claudia her very own programme.
Claudia Winkleman chat show plans
Insiders believe that Claudia, who also hosts the hugely popular Celebrity Traitors and its civilian counterpart, is considered one of the BBC’s great interviewers. One source even compares her to Terry Wogan and Michael Parkinson.
“Claudia is now seen as upmarket BBC talent with huge appeal across generations, who will make a brilliant chat show host,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
“There is much excitement. Of course juggling that with Strictly Come Dancing would be tough, and Claudia makes no secret of the fact she adores spending time with her family. The BBC are of course keen to keep her away from ITV, so giving her this massive headline gig is a way of helping her do much more with them The Traitors.
“It’s going to be a trailblazing programme hosted by a woman, and it will be on television some time next year.”
TV Guide has contacted the BBC for comment.
The next steps
Deadline has also reported that Claudia’s new chat show venture will not be in competition with Graham Norton’s.
The 62 year old has fronted The Graham Norton Show since 2007, with the popular series attracting impressive talent.
In advance stages of talks, sources tell Deadline that Claudia’s show will air between seasons of Graham’s programme.
Claudia has since proved she is more than capable of hosting a prime-time chat show. Earlier this year, she took over from Graham when the presenter was taking a break from his BBC duties.
What did Claudia say when she quit Strictly Come Dancing?
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left blindsided after Claudia and Tess announced their departure this week.
Taking to Instagram, Claudia wrote: “It’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of Strictly. I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go. The new hosts will be magnificent.
“I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
Who will be the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts?
Currently, no one has been announced to host Strictly Come Dancing next year.
However, there are several different names floating in the mix.
Ladbrokes have odds on Holly Willoughby returning to TV at 6/1, making her their frontrunner.
However, other famous faces who could take on the legendary series include Fleur East and Zoe Ball, and Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark, who all have experience hosting Strictly: It Takes Two..
In the meantime, Claudia and Tess will still sparkle on Saturday nights. The pair will host the show until the end of the series.
Read more: Celebrity Traitors stars Celia Imrie and Nick Mohammed team up for ‘scandalous’ new legal drama
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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