Claudia Winkleman to Launch New BBC Chat Show in 2026
Published 29 December 2025
Highlights
- Claudia Winkleman will host a new chat show on BBC One and iPlayer, set to debut in spring 2026.
- The show will be produced by So Television, known for The Graham Norton Show, and aims to feature high-profile guests.
- Winkleman's new role follows her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, which she co-hosted with Tess Daly.
- The BBC's announcement highlights Winkleman's status as a leading figure in British television.
- Winkleman was recently honored with an MBE for her services to broadcasting.
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Rewritten Article
Claudia Winkleman to Launch New BBC Chat Show in 2026
Claudia Winkleman, a prominent figure in British television, is set to host her own chat show on BBC One and iPlayer, scheduled for a spring 2026 premiere. The BBC confirmed the news, marking a significant new chapter in Winkleman's illustrious career. The show, produced by So Television, the team behind The Graham Norton Show, promises to bring some of the biggest names from film, television, and music to Winkleman's sofa for engaging conversations.
Winkleman expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I can't quite believe it and I'm incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity." Known for her wit and warmth, Winkleman has been a staple on British television, having co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly for over a decade. Her departure from the popular dance show was announced in October, sparking speculation about her next move.
The BBC's head of entertainment commissioning, Kalpna Patel-Knight, praised Winkleman as a "true national treasure," highlighting her ability to connect with both global superstars and audience members alike. This new venture aims to capitalize on Winkleman's unique charm and the success of her previous projects, including the hit series Celebrity Traitors, which drew an impressive live audience of over 11 million viewers.
While the chat show format presents its own set of challenges, the BBC is confident in Winkleman's ability to captivate audiences. The show will not replace The Graham Norton Show, which continues to draw over 2 million viewers per episode, but will instead complement it by airing in the spring. Further details, including the lineup of guests, will be announced in due course.
Winkleman's recent recognition as an MBE for her contributions to broadcasting underscores her influence in the industry. At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, she was honored by King Charles III, a testament to her enduring impact on British television.
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Scenario Analysis
The launch of The Claudia Winkleman Show could further solidify Winkleman's position as a leading figure in British entertainment. If successful, the show may attract a new wave of viewers to the BBC, potentially revitalizing the traditional chat show format in the digital age. However, the competitive landscape, with platforms like YouTube offering alternative content, poses a challenge. Industry experts will be watching closely to see if Winkleman's charm can translate into sustained viewership, potentially influencing future programming decisions at the BBC.
Claudia Winkleman, a prominent figure in British television, is set to host her own chat show on BBC One and iPlayer, scheduled for a spring 2026 premiere. The BBC confirmed the news, marking a significant new chapter in Winkleman's illustrious career. The show, produced by So Television, the team behind The Graham Norton Show, promises to bring some of the biggest names from film, television, and music to Winkleman's sofa for engaging conversations.
Winkleman expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I can't quite believe it and I'm incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity." Known for her wit and warmth, Winkleman has been a staple on British television, having co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly for over a decade. Her departure from the popular dance show was announced in October, sparking speculation about her next move.
The BBC's head of entertainment commissioning, Kalpna Patel-Knight, praised Winkleman as a "true national treasure," highlighting her ability to connect with both global superstars and audience members alike. This new venture aims to capitalize on Winkleman's unique charm and the success of her previous projects, including the hit series Celebrity Traitors, which drew an impressive live audience of over 11 million viewers.
While the chat show format presents its own set of challenges, the BBC is confident in Winkleman's ability to captivate audiences. The show will not replace The Graham Norton Show, which continues to draw over 2 million viewers per episode, but will instead complement it by airing in the spring. Further details, including the lineup of guests, will be announced in due course.
Winkleman's recent recognition as an MBE for her contributions to broadcasting underscores her influence in the industry. At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, she was honored by King Charles III, a testament to her enduring impact on British television.
What this might mean
The launch of The Claudia Winkleman Show could further solidify Winkleman's position as a leading figure in British entertainment. If successful, the show may attract a new wave of viewers to the BBC, potentially revitalizing the traditional chat show format in the digital age. However, the competitive landscape, with platforms like YouTube offering alternative content, poses a challenge. Industry experts will be watching closely to see if Winkleman's charm can translate into sustained viewership, potentially influencing future programming decisions at the BBC.
