Claudia Winkleman has revealed that she initially turned down the opportunity to host the popular BBC show The Traitors, fearing the commitment would take her away from her family. The presenter, who has hosted the show since 2022, eventually agreed after watching the Dutch original series.
"I'm always in bed at 9pm with my book, but I started watching, and at midnight, I sent her a text saying, 'I'll buy my own ticket'," Winkleman told Harper's Bazaar Magazine. Despite her initial reluctance, she now considers the hosting job "the greatest honour of my working life."
Winkleman also reflected on her own BBC chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, which had a brief run in March. Though it achieved solid ratings and was offered a second series, she chose not to continue.
"Argh! The BBC wanted me to give it a go. Maybe, I thought, let's try something different? But never again," she stated. "That's it. It wasn't for me. I didn't enjoy it, I didn't like having my name on it, it's not what I'm good at. I need a format – it can't just be me."
Winkleman is set to receive the Television Icon award at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards 2026. She credits luck, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to not take herself too seriously as key factors in her enduring success.
"Be there early, stay late, make the tea," she said, recalling advice from her father. "I don't complain – I realise what a privileged position I have. And I bake for people. But not taking yourself seriously is the key. People who take themselves seriously are revolting."