Claudia Winkleman to host new chat show on BBC One

The Traitors and former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman will present her own chat show on BBC One and iPlayer in spring 2026.

The BBC’s announcement confirms recent industry reports that the series is in production and adds that it will be produced by So Television, which is also behind Graham Norton’s award-winning chat show.

“I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity,” Winkleman said. “Of course I’m going to suck, that goes without saying, but I’m so glad they let me try.”

The new role follows his departure from Strictly Come Dancing alongside co-host Tess Daly, with whom he hosted for more than a decade.

The BBC said Winkleman’s chat show will “welcome the biggest names in film, television, music and more to his sofa for live chats with the help of a studio audience.”

“Claudia is a true national treasure; warm, witty and endlessly entertaining,” said Kalpna Patel-Knight, the company’s chief entertainment officer.

“He has an extraordinary ability to put people at ease and bring out the best in them, whether they are global superstars or members of the audience.”

Graham Stuart, So Television’s managing director, said Winkleman matched Norton’s ability to make his “Friday night talk show” a “dazzling appointment to watch”.

“How can you follow that up? By booking an equally excellent host. So do we.”

The BBC said further details about the program and when it will air “will be announced in due course”.