Claudia Winkleman Opens Up About Hosting The Celebrity Traitors UK Edition
Veteran TV presenter Claudia Winkleman is stepping into fresh territory as she hosts the star-studded edition of the hit reality show The Celebrity Traitors. The series, set to debut on the BBC in October, sees 19 celebrities assembled in a Scottish castle to compete in psychological games of trust, deception and strategy. tvguide.co.uk+1
I Was Scared – Winkleman’s Honest Take
Claudia revealed she initially had reservations about the celebrity spin-off of the show she loves. “I was scared,” she admitted, explaining that the original version’s charm with non-celebrity contestants felt vulnerable to dilution. tvguide.co.uk+1 But she quickly changed her mind once she saw the calibre of the cast and realized the production would honour the tone of the show. tvguide.co.uk+1
Balancing the Host Role Among Stars
One of her biggest challenges? Staying aloof and strict in her role as host while surrounded by famous faces she admires. “All I wanted to do was chat and be friendly,” she said. “But of course, I have to be extremely unlikable.” The Free Library In a candid moment, she revealed she “welled up” when meeting long-time idol Stephen Fry during filming. GB News
The Stakes: £100,000 for Charity
In The Celebrity Traitors, the game is played out with a twist: while contestants aim to win up to £100,000, the prize goes to the charity of their choice. The setting: the historic Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The Standard+1 Claudia’s role includes the moment when she taps the chosen “Traitors” on the shoulder during the iconic Round Table—an image fans are already buzzing about. The Standard
Why This Matters
For viewers, the celebrity edition brings a new dynamic to a proven format. With familiar faces playing the high-stakes game, the emotional and strategic tension is elevated. For Winkleman, this edition marks a professional milestone: blending her hosting skill with a game-show legacy she’s passionate about. Her openness about the challenges of hosting adds authenticity and helps viewers connect beyond the glitz.