Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman threatened to quit show after huge conflict
Claudia Winkleman revealed that she had a Strictly Come Dancing pact with co-star Tess Daly, but she was close to going back on her word in a candid admission.
Claudia Winkleman has revealed that she once considered not returning to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this year despite the stellar celebrity lineup. The 51-year-old BBC host admitted that after her son moved across the country to university, she did not feel that she could continue with her work commitments after being left heartbroken.
Speaking on BBC Women's Hour in 2021, Claudia shared that she once phoned Strictly producers and told them they needed to find a replacement. Despite vowing to co-present with Tess Daly until they both decided it was time to call it quits on the popular reality dance competition.
She was heard saying: "I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, 'Sarah, I love you. I don't want to leave Strictly and Tess [Daly] and I have agreed we will leave together when they're done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I'm out and you'll have to go with somebody else.”
Reflecting on the response she received, Claudia continued: "And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don't start that week'." Claudia explained that she was left bereft when her son moved to attend university.
The brunette further explained: "It's not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through." Jake who is now 20 years old was the first of her children to flee the nest.
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In addition to Jake, Claudia is also a proud mother to Matilda who recently turned 18 and Arthur who is 13 years old.
She shares her children with her husband, Kris Thykier – a television producer - and they have been together for over two decades.
The couple tied the knot in 2000 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Marylebone Town.
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Claudia recently opened up about her stint on Strictly, after taking over as one of the main presenters back in 2014, filling the boots of Sir Bruce Forsyth.
During a candid chat with The Sun, Claudia opened up about her sweet relationship both on and off the screen with co-host Tess, 55.
Claudia spoke warmly of their unbreakable bond, claiming that they're a package deal when it comes to Strictly and they will one day step back together.
"When one of us is done, we go together. So she's not allowed to leave," Claudia admitted.
Away from the glitz and glamour of the studio it has been announced that in the new year, Claudia will return to the Traitors.
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed it would commission another series plus a star-studded celebrity spin-off thanks to soaring figures that pulled in millions of viewers.
