Picture a younger Claudia, before the fringe was a national treasure. She first joined the Strictly universe back in 2004. But she wasn’t on the main sofa next to Tess. She was the host of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, the spin-off show that airs every weeknight. For six years, from 2004 to 2010, she was your after-work buddy, dissecting the cha-chas and talking about Karen’s dress.
It was like being the best friend who preps you for the big date. She knew the judges’ quirks, the couples’ nerves, and the gossip. She made It Takes Two feel like a cosy chat in your living room. When she left that role in 2010, it felt like losing a friend—but the ballroom wasn’t done with her yet.
The Big Return: A Fringe and a Whole New Job
After a four-year break, Strictly came calling again. In 2014, the show needed a new co-host. Sir Bruce Forsyth had stepped back, and the producers needed someone who could match Tess’s sparkle. Claudia was the only choice. It was like your favourite comedian suddenly becoming the lead singer of the band. It just worked.
Her first show was the launch episode of Series 12 in September 2014. Imagine being that nervous. She walked out, fringe perfectly in place, and just owned it. She didn’t try to be Bruce; she was just Claudia—giggly, slightly chaotic, and completely relatable. That’s when Strictly found its new heartbeat.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing: Claudia Winkleman's outfit leaves everyone
