Claudia Winkleman in talks for own BBC chat show after shock Strictly exit

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Claudia Winkleman during filming for the Graham Norton Show, at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Thursday January 9, 2025. Picture credit: Matt Crossick/PA Wire — Claudia Winkleman is reportedly in talks for a chat show on BBC (Picture: PA Wire)

Claudia Winklemanis preparing for a major career move, with plans for her ownBBCchat show currently in advanced talks.

The series is set to be produced by So Television, the same company behind TheGraham NortonShow, in what looks to be the BBC’s latest attempt to secure its next big entertainment hit.

According toDeadline, the project would see Winkleman fronting her own primetime talk show during periods when Graham Norton’s show is off-air, ensuring there’s no competition between the two BBC staples.

The format is expected to carry the same mix of celebrity interviews and playful humour that has made Winkleman one of the UK’s most distinctive presenters.

The timing of the development is striking: it comes just as Winkleman andTess Dalyannounced they will be stepping away fromStrictly Come Dancingafter this year’s series — a move thatreportedly caught BBC executives off guard.

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Sources close to production said the broadcaster was ‘blindsided’ by the pair’ssocial mediaannouncement, noting it as a reminder of the ‘presenter power’ the duo now hold.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Presenter Claudia Winkleman during filming for the Graham Norton Show, at BBC Studioworks 6 Television Centre, Wood Lane, London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. Picture date: Wednesday February 26, 2025. Picture credit: Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments — The show comes from the producers of The Graham Norton Show (Picture: PA Wire)

The Traitors II - Claudia Winkleman - BBC One/BBC iPlayer — Winkleman has reached a new level of stardom with the success of The Traitors (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Mark Mainz)

Daly, 56, has been on the BBC reality series for 21 years since the show started in 2004, with the Winkleman joining her on the ballroom floor in 2011 – truly marking the end of an era.

Fans immediately wondered why the pair had decided to depart,with one insider telling the Daily Mail that with Winkleman’s career ‘moving up a level’, she is reportedly ready to explore opportunities outside of Strictly.

A chat show like Norton’s would certainly be a new major opportunity for the star.

Winkleman has already tested the waters of the late-night chat format. Earlier this year, she filled in for Norton while he was on break from his BBC duties, winning praise for her relaxed, self-deprecating hosting style.

This is a stock image of Claudia Winkleman did an internship at the fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue. See PA Feature FASHION The Traitors. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FASHION The Traitors. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Alamy NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature FASHION The Traitors — She’s gained a reputation for her powerful presence as a presenter (Picture: Alamy)

Opening her first episode, she joked, ‘To be honest, nobody is more livid than me,’ in reference to temporarily taking over Norton’s chair.

If greenlit, the show would further cement Winkleman’s position as one of the BBC’s most bankable stars, alongside her success onThe Traitorsand Strictly.

So Television — founded by Graham Norton and Graham Stuart and now owned byITVStudios — has built a reputation for slick, star-studded productions, including Netflix’s Hannah Gadsby: Gender Agenda.

While no official announcement has been made, all signs point to a major new chapter for Winkleman, who appears set to trade the Strictly ballroom for the late-night sofa.

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