The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman has already guided two sets of contestants through the hit BBC game show. And despite how popular The Traitors has become (and viewers' obsession with her stylish knitwear collection), she's confessed that she is 'reluctant' to do more. 

Appearing on Good Morning Britain ahead of The Piano season 2, Claudia said: "I was reluctant to do the second, and now I'm extra reluctant to do the third. Like, guys, just leave it! It did okay, just leave it."

She was speaking to Richard Arnold (who looked stunned!), who said the second season had turned its cast into 'rock stars'. When he said the show's been phenomenal, Claudia joked: "They just say 'no', the head of the BBC, she just leant forward and took my temperature." You can see their exchange from the show below:

We already know that The Traitors is coming back for more backstabbing action next year: The Traitors season 3 was confirmed to be on the cards before the second series even aired. The show just wouldn't be the same without Claudia's guiding hand; hopefully, she won't be walking away from that iconic castle anytime soon.

• Where is The Traitors filmed?

Claudia's admission comes just after new rumors circulated about a Traitors celebrity spin-off, which is thought to be coming to our screens in 2025. In mid-April, it was reported that Studio Lambert (the team behind the US and UK editions of the show) were nearing an agreement with the BBC to develop a celebrity version which is set to appear on our screens after the third instalment of the main show. 

The Traitors season 2 came to an end in January, in an explosive finale that was watched by millions. It saw Traitor Harry emerging victorious and bagging an impressive prize pot worth £95,000.

Both seasons of The Traitors are available to stream on BBC iPlayer right now, along with the US and Australian versions of the hit show. 

Looking for more shows to stream while you wait for season 3? Check out What To Watch's guides to the best BBC dramas and best BBC comedies we think you should be streaming right now. 

Budding pianists are back to tickle the ivories at train stations across the UK as Channel 4’s smash-hit show The Piano returns for a seven-part series, guaranteed to pull at our heartstrings - and now the final is here!

Claudia Winkleman is presenting once again, while adjudicating from a secret location are world-renowned pianist Lang Lang and pop superstar Mika, who will choose their favourite virtuoso from each station to perform in a special concert at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. 

This series visits stations in Edinburgh, Cardiff, London and Liverpool, but begins in Manchester Piccadilly, where nine-year-old Ethan stops commuters in their tracks with Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20, and 80-year-old Duncan, who has dementia, plays a stunning ‘thank you’ song for his wife, Fran. Plus, boxer Ellis gives a knockout rendition of Chopin’s Ballade No. 4.  

But unlike series one, the players now know that Lang Lang and Mika will be watching their performances, does it make a difference?

What To Watch caught up with The Piano presenters Claudia Winkleman, Lang Lang and Mika during filming to find out why series two hits all the right notes...

The Piano season 2 release date

The Piano launched on Channel 4, Sunday 28 April at 9pm and will air weekly for seven weeks in the same slot. 

The final aired on Sunday, June 8 at 9 pm on Channel 4 and you can watch all episodes on Channel 4 online now. 

The Piano season 2 interview

How does it feel to be back filming the most heart-warming show on TV? 

Mika: "Incredible! We were amazed by the reaction to series one, which was a beautiful little project that was shot as more of a documentary. The whole thing has been such an astounding, tender surprise." 

Lang Lang: "I knew it was going to be something different from other talent shows out there, but I didn't expect it to be such a success!"

Claudia: "It’s just magical. For example, a girl played today and a man was in floods of tears. I assumed he was her dad, so I said, ‘You must be incredibly proud?’ He whispered back, ‘I've never met her’. But she did something that really moved him, and that’s what the show’s about." 

Have things changed now the pianists know that Lang Lang and Mika are watching? 

Claudia: "All three of us were a little worried about returning because the first series was created with this idea of what happens when people play the piano and they think no one is watching? It was so poetic, but now everyone knows the show, I’ve been expecting people to turn up in ballgowns! However, they still can’t see Lang Lang and Mika, and the show is shot so subtly and beautifully that it doesn't feel like a hoo-ha. They just chat to me, then play."

Mika: "We were worried that something would change with the pianists’ intentions or ambitions because they now know we are hidden away, listening. But we are still seeing extraordinary people who have amazing stories." 

Lang Lang: "And if somebody feels special, this time Mika and I can go out to see them to encourage them to do better." 

Have you seen a higher standard of performances?

Mika: "The standard has gone up, yes, but you never know what’s going to move you. Someone can play Chopin and technically it’s all there, but it might not provoke emotion in me nor in Lang Lang. Then someone can play the most simple triad chords and sing, and it makes people cry. You can’t put your finger on it, but it’s magic."

Lang Lang: "There’s more international music this time, and some places we visit have their traditions and types of music, like Cardiff, where we hear folk music. We see the whole world through the piano in this series." 

What can you tell us about the final this year?

Mika: "After the series one final in London’s Royal Festival Hall, we wanted to do something different and more contemporary. Manchester’s Aviva Studios is a new, high-tech venue made for both classical and non-classical music. So we are putting on a real show and people have bought tickets." 

That must be quite nerve-racking for the finalists?

Mika: "Like last time, we do mentoring days and full rehearsal days. They’re not going into a brutal gladiator-style situation, though. They’re just going to do something beautiful." 

Claudia: "This will make you feel nauseous, but I’ll say it anyway: once they join The Piano family, it’s our job to look after them. They all look after each other, which is my favourite thing, but our duty of care is really important because some haven’t even played in stations before let alone on the stage. They have two of the greatest musicians to hold their hand, too." 

Have you been tempted to take up the piano yet, Claudia?

Claudia: "Oh, I’m not allowed to touch a recorder, or even sing Happy Birthday in my own house! I know nothing, honestly. Somebody played brilliantly the other day, and the crew and I were saying, ‘Yes! Smashed it!’ But Mika and Lang Lang said, ‘Good, but it was in the wrong key.’ So, we absolutely bow to them."  

Is there a trailer for The Piano season 2?

No yet, but as soon as one is released we will add it to this guide. 

Do you think you know how The Traitors season 2 will play out? The BBC has developed a new tie-in game so you can play along with the new series at home.

Following that killer cliffhanger at the end of the third episode (will Brian or Ash be banished from the castle next?!), the BBC is launching a new online game that The Traitors obsessives can use to compete with friends, family, and fellow viewers to claim the top spot on an overall leaderboard to prove they're the ultimate The Traitors fan.

The game will be available at bbc.co.uk/traitors on web, tablet, and mobile devices from Friday, January 5. Ahead of each remaining episode of the new series, players will be able to submit predictions of who they think will be the Traitors' next murder victim, and who will be banished by the gang at the next Round Table. 

If you want to get involved, you'll need to make sure you've locked in your predictions by the start of the next episodes, and correct guesses will score points to contribute to your overall running total for the entire series. 

Players can also earn extra points by submitting their predictions for which of our remaining competitors will make it through to the very end, and by answering bonus questions throughout the remainder of the series. As well as comparing your ranking on the overall leaderboard, you'll be able to start mini-competitions with your nearest and dearest so you can see which of you would make a top Traitor!

Jamie Dodds, digital commissioning executive, BBC Entertainment, said of the new offering: "This brand new game offers fans of The Traitors the chance to immerse themselves in the world of the show, and play along with all the betrayals, mind games, and manipulations of this epic new series. It’s a great way for people at home to see if they can think like a Traitor!”

Pushpa Reddy, director of product management at the BBC, added: “We’ve built this game as a fun way to help people engage with one of our best-loved and most exciting shows. This is a game for The Traitors obsessives – using everything they know and understand about the show to inform their predictions to compete with their friends and family at this tense and nail-biting game and see who will emerge as the ultimate Traitors fan.”

The Traitors season 2 continues to air Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 9 pm on BBC One. You can also stream the show on BBC iPlayer.

More The Traitors content

• Where is The Traitors filmed?
• How to watch The Traitors season 2
• How to apply for The Traitors season 3

One Question is a new game show where a single question could change contestants’ lives to the tune of £100,000.

The Channel 4 game show is hosted by Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman, where she'll be taking on the role of quiz master and marks her first time hosting a quiz or a game show since appearing on Talking Telephone Numbers in 1997 with Phillip Schofield.

Speaking about returning to the game show world, Claudia said: "It was just such a simple, lovely idea. It came through as literally two sentences. One question, we give them the answer, along with 19 incorrect ones. I was in."

She added: "I’m ridiculously excited. In One Question there’s no time limit, no buzzers, no complicated rules. Just a sofa, a chat, and one question that could win our players £100k. Not only that, we give them the answer! The tricky part is we give them 19 wrong answers too. It’s such a simple, lovely idea."

Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment and Events, Channel 4 also spoke about having Claudia on board, saying: "We’re delighted to have Claudia fronting this nail-biting new prime-time game show on Channel 4. With her unmistakable charm and wit, we’ll really get to know each of the contestants as they strive towards a potentially life-changing jackpot."

Here's everything you need to know about One Question...

One Question release date

One Question airs on Friday, June 24 at 8pm on Channel 4. The six-part series will then air weekly in the same slot. 

One Question will also be available on-demand via All 4 after each episode has aired.

How does One Question work?

In One Question, contestants are faced with a deceptively simple question such as: ‘What is a circle?’. They’re then presented with 20 possible answers. But here’s the catch, only one is actually correct. 

Tension builds as they eliminate wrong answers and inch ever closer to winning. And, if they doubt themselves, Claudia is on-hand with some tempting offers, such as additional clues and removing two wrong answers, but it will cost them thousands!

Combined with the studio environment the pressure is on as contestants have to whittle down to the correct response.

Claudia adds: "It’s incredibly stressful with cameras on you. The questions are easy to work out when you’re watching at home on the sofa. But much trickier with the bright studio lights and everyone watching you. I absolutely feel for them."

Claudia Winkleman on hosting One Question

Are you ever tempted to help the contestants? 

Claudia: "If I had my way everyone would win. In a baby pilot they gave me the answer and I immediately told the contestants. This was problematic! [In the real episodes] I have not seen the question and I haven’t seen the answers, because they know if they told me, I would definitely make sure contestants pick the right one. So, I’m willing them on, but too scared to lead them a certain way."

What do you think is the secret to winning big money?

"If they work together and don’t race, they absolutely smash it. It’s a game of slow and patient. Watching the dynamic between the players was fascinating. When they win, it’s spectacular!"

Is this a game you would be good at playing?

"I think I’d be useless! I would be over-excited and probably would get rid of the right answer in a fit of impatience and giddiness. I would play with my mum, dad or husband, but anything to do with pop culture I’d need my daughter." 

Will your family be watching the series with you when it airs?

"Nobody in my house is allowed to watch me on TV! They won’t know it’s on telly. Better all round, I think…!"

What snacks kept you going during filming?

"Ribena Light, crisps, chocolate. I always take apples but I’m afraid KitKats win. I am officially addicted to crisps. I could bore you about my deep and long-standing affair with beef Hula Hoops! Also, toasties. The studio had a toasted sandwich maker. There is absolutely nothing better than a hot cheese sandwich!"

What’s your favourite game show to watch?

"I am in love with Only Connect. Victoria Coren Mitchell, who presents it, is outstanding. She’s also my oldest friend, but I promise, I’m not biased!"

Who would be your ideal celebrity guests on One Question? 

"Lorraine Chase and Elizabeth Hurley… together!"

And, finally, is there one question you fear being asked?

"I’ll answer anything. True fact!"

Is there a trailer for One Question?

Not yet — we'll let you know if one is released though!

Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman almost quit the BBC1 dancing show after fearing it might clash with an important moment in her son's life. 

Appearing on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, the mum-of-three revealed that she phoned the bosses 'in tears' because of her fear that the show would clash with her son's big move to university.

She said: "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 and I have agreed we will leave together when they're done with us, but if the first show is September 13th, I'm out and you'll have to go with somebody else.'"

Claudia added: "And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don't start that week.' I was like, 'Alright. I have to go and put up his posters'. It's not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through."

Claudia has been hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly since 2014, after she was brought in to replace Bruce Forsyth when he was on sick leave. 

It looks like the duo is here to stay, and we should see them welcoming new celebrities to the dance floor in the coming months.

Fans are still waiting to find out full details about the new series of Strictly, but we do know that ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke will be standing in for Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel this series. 

He'll be joined by regular judges Shirley Ballas, Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood for the 2021 competition. 

In addition to this, Janette Manrara will be swapping the dance floor for the studio, as she replaces Zoe Ball to present Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two, meaning she will not be a professional dancer in this year's competition. 

Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC1 later this year.

The BBC has announced a new cookery competition which may go some way to replacing the hole left by Bake Off's move to Channel 4

Mary Berry and Claudia Winkleman will lead the search for Britain's Best Cook in a new BBC1 cookery competition.

This series will test the real-life expertise of home cooks and will celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day. Mary will act as judge, as she did for The Great British Bake Off before its move to Channel 4.

Mary said: “I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. This series is going to encourage proper home cooking, which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.”

Host Claudia said: “I am over the moon to be part of this show. Am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance.”

Britain's Best Cook will consist of eight episodes and the 10 contestants will need to demonstrate skill under pressure and individual flair, as they’re asked to serve the most perfect version of dishes that define modern British home cooking.

The judges will be looking for dishes redefine excellence, whether it’s roast beef with the perfect roast potatoes, an ingenious twist on chicken curry or an irresistible chocolate pudding.

Each challenge will reveal new tips and techniques as the competing cooks battle to prove that they have the skills and repertoire, technical ability, resourcefulness and creativity to get through to the final and be crowned Britain’s Best Cook.

A search for a second judge to join Mary Berry is underway.

No word yet on when Britain's Best Cook will transmit.

Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have admitted that they are in denial over head judge Len Goodman leaving the show.

Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have not yet accepted that Len Goodman is leaving the BBC series.

This weekend’s live final of the celebrity dancing programme will be Len’s last stint as head judge, after appearing on the panel since its inception in 2004.

He will also appear in the pre-recorded Christmas special, which will air on Christmas Day.

Strictly hosts Tess and Claudia appeared on companion show It Takes Two opposite Zoe Ball for the first time and confessed to being “in denial” over Len’s impending exit.

Tess said: “We’re in denial… I hang on his every word."

Claudia said: “I love him. And also when I was hosting It Takes Two we would do a masterclass, and I was chronically bad, and I would just weep. It was my favourite part of it.

“He’s the king. I keep on thinking maybe it’s a joke and I’m like, ‘Len, see you in August?’, and he goes ‘No, I’m really not coming’ and I’m like ‘Yes, you will be’.”

She added: “I think it will be horrible,” while Tess said: “I can’t imagine him not there.”

Zoe said Len is “irreplaceable” and Tess agreed, saying: “He’s the daddy of the panel.”

Tess, who – like Len – has appeared on the show since it began, and Claudia were full of praise for each other and said they have formed a “telepathic” bond over the years of working together.

Claudia has appeared as a co-host on Strictly since 2014 when she replaced previous presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Tess said of Claudia: “She just makes me die laughing all the time.”

Claudia said: “We have a proper laugh when we’re doing rehearsals. We become like baboons, not in a bad way. We’re telepathic. I look at (Tess) and I play with (her) hair.”

Tess added: “We can say things when we’re mic’d up telepathically that we can’t say on the mic. We communicate that way.”

Danny Mac, Ore Oduba and Louise Redknapp will take to the dance floor with three routines each in order to compete for the Glitterball trophy this weekend.

They will perform their favourite dance, the judges’ choice, and a spectacular show dance in a bid to win the viewers’ votes.

Fans will also be treated to group performances, musical moments and surprises as the series draws to a close.

Strictly Come Dancing – The Final will air on December 17 at 6.40pm on BBC1.

The Strictly presenter wants to warn other parents about the dangers of fancy dress costumes after her daughter's witch outfit caught fire in 2014.

Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman has confessed she hates Halloween and wants to warn other parents about flammable costumes two years after her daughter was burned in an accident.

Claudia, who hosts Strictly Come Dancing with co-star Tess Daly, said she did not want any other parents to go through the ordeal suffered by her own family when her then eight-year-old's witch costume caught fire in 2014.  

“I don't like Halloween because two years ago it turned out our screams were real,” she wrote in a column in Style magazine.

“Thanks to the extraordinary NHS everything is now OK. I just don't want any of you to go through what we did.

“So, get yourself a witchy costume, but please get a safe one.”

She joked she had “tried to cancel” Halloween celebrations, but “turns out that was overly ambitious”.

Claudia's daughter Matilda was treated for serious burns after her supermarket-bought witch costume of hat, cape, stripy tights and a flowing skirt was set alight by a naked flame.

Claudia took three weeks off from Strictly to be by her side, later speaking to Watchdog about the need for all costumes to meet British flammability standards.

“I hate Halloween,” she wrote this weekend. “I loathe wobbly skeleton wall hangings, gouged eyeball sweets, ghoulish pumpkin faces and sticky spiders' webs

“I can't bear screechy door creaks and drawn-out screams.”

She has said previously of the accident: “It’s life changing, but not life defining. It was definitely life changing for me.

“I can’t remember life before it.

“I wish I had been dressed as the witch is mainly all I wish, that it had happened to me.

“She went up, and I don’t want that to happen to another child. 

“I would like parents to – just on Halloween, just to think about what they’re going to put their kids in because I didn’t, and it cost us.”

Michael Bublé is coming to BBC One in November for a one-off, hour-long performance. The Canadian crooner will be accompanied by a 30 piece orchestra, and Claudia Winkleman will be interviewing the star in between songs.

Michael Bublé is set to star in his own hour-long BBC special this November - accompanied by his band and a 30 piece orchestra.

The programme, Michael Bublé  at the BBC, will see the Canadian star perform his greatest hits and songs from his new album Nobody But Me.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience at MediaCityUK in Salford, the multi-platinum record selling artist will also be chatting to Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman about his music, his new family and what inspires him.

The show follows in the footsteps of Adele at the BBC, which was broadcast in October 2015 on BBC One. The programme was subsequently nominated for Best Entertainment Programme at this year's BAFTA awards.

After making his debut in 2003, Bublé became famed for songs such as Haven't Met You Yet and Crazy Love and covers of easy listening classics like Sway and Me and Mrs Jones.

In a statement, Bublé said: “I loved Adele at the BBC and I'm so excited and honoured to have been invited by the BBC to do my own show for them. I'm sure it will be a blast.”

Speaking of her invitation to interview Michael Bublé, Claudia Winkleman said: “When you are asked ‘would you like to interview Michael Bublé and watch him sing?’ you don’t say no. You change your whole life to accommodate this request. I can’t wait."

The recording will take place in MediaCityUK studios in Salford in October and you could be in the audience. Registration to apply is open from now – please visit bbc.co.uk/music for further details.

Announcing the news, Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, said: “Following the huge success of our Adele special last year, BBC One is bringing viewers another unmissable night of music from the one and only Michael Bublé hosted by the brilliant Claudia Winkleman.”

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman tease the line-up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. But, although they know the names, they're not letting on...

Just weeks before this year's Strictly Come Dancing kicks off BBC1 have released a video in which Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman tease at the now-confirmed line-up. The video was posted on BBC1's Twitter account and contains plenty of hints to start viewers speculating.

"Right here's the big news boys and girls," Claudia said.

"We know the names. ALL of them. And they're good," confirmed Tess. "They're good! We're excited."

But any hopes that viewers might be let in on the secret where dashed when Claudia said they couldn't tell fans of the show just yet: "That's all you're getting because we can't tell you anything."

The 44-year-old presenter said she's particularly excited about one contestant, saying: "There's one name that made me scream," before Tess added: "When you found out you screamed out loud. You got very excited. She screams a lot."

The only thing the Strictly presenters would say is "There's something for everyone. There's young, there's old, there's small, there's tall, there's cuddly, there's abrasive. Actually there's not abrasive. I miss the abrasive ones.

"There's cute, there's gorgeous, there's hot, there's edible."

Tess finally promised: "You're going to be pleased with the clever people who booked them."

Among those rumoured to appear are Lesley Joseph, Ruth Langsford, Corrie star Ryan Thomas and EastEnders' Tameka Empson.

According to the Daily Star, singer Will Young has been signed up, with a source saying that he's a "brilliant" signing for the show.

"He is extremely popular, he is a true professional, he can be quite competitive and he is no shrinking violet."

This series will be the last for head judge Len Goodman, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down after 16 years on the show.

Viewers will have to wait a few more weeks until we get to share in the secret.

Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC1 in early September.

Watch what happened when our cheeky little friend to the stars asked the Strictly presenter "Claudia, are you more Rodney or Del Boy?"

Strictly Come Dancing returns to our TV screens tonight and the launch episode for the 13th series will pair up the celebrity contestants with their professional dancers.

It will also feature a group dance from this year's celebrity contestants, who are: celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, Countryfile Anita Rani, boxer Anthony Ogogo, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, singer Daniel O’Donnell, former Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote, Call The Midwife star Helen George, champion athlete Iwan Thomas, singer/TV presenter Jamelia, The Wanted's singer Jay McGuiness, Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, TV and radio presenter Katie Derham, EastEnders star Kellie Bright, TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher and pop star Peter Andre.

This will be their first chance to impress head judge Len Goodman, who is joined again this year by seasoned Strictly judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.

Co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also back to welcome the contestants to the dance floor for the first time.

Strictly Come Dancing’s co-presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (BBC Pictures)

The professionals returning to Strictly will be Aliona Vilani, Aljaz Skorjanec, Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole, Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Kevin Clifton, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Ola Jordan, Pasha Kovalev and Tristan MacManus.

Three new dancers have joined the line-up: Russian-born Dancing With The Stars favourite Gleb Savchenko; 2012 Italian champion Giovanni Pernice; and eight-times South African Latin American Champion Oti Mabuse.

The first show will also feature a final performance from last year’s reigning champions, X Factor presenter Caroline Flack and Pasha.

Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev won 2014′s Strictly Come Dancing (Guy Levy/BBC)

Once the celebrities are paired with the professionals, they will have three weeks to train before returning to the dance floor to perform live every Saturday night.

There will be no public vote or results show until the second episode.

At the halfway stage of the competition, the celebrities and their partners will perform at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the international home of ballroom dancing and a Strictly Come Dancing tradition.

Zoe Ball will also return to host It Takes Two on BBC2, providing backstage gossip and interviews with the Strictly stars.

This year, professional Strictly dancer Joanne Clifton, without a celebrity partner this year, will join the team as their resident dance expert.

Joanne Clifton will be the resident dance expert (Guy Levy/BBC)

Sir Bruce Forsyth will be returning to the Strictly Ballroom once again to host the Children In Need and Christmas editions of the show.

The BBC’s Strictly is set to overlap with ITV’s The X Factor every Saturday evening, leading to a ratings war between the broadcasters’ flagship programmes.

Last year’s Strictly launch episode had viewing figures of 6.5 million, compared to 5.8 million for The X Factor on the same night. The Strictly final averaged at 10.6 million viewers, compared to The X Factor final’s 9.1 million.

Strictly Come Dancing starts on BBC1, Saturday, September 5, 7.15pm.

Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman has described the moment her daughter 'screamed out for me' as her Halloween fancy dress witch costume went up in flames.

The star spoke to BBC consumer campaign show Watchdog about the incident, which left eight-year-old Matilda in hospital.

She told Chris Hollins: “I was talking to somebody… and then I heard her shout and she was on fire… it feels like she was on fire for hours, but the surgeon said that it definitely wasn’t the case and it was probably just seconds… she went up, is the only way I know how to describe it… it was a spark and she screamed out for me.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present Strictly Come Dancing (Ian West/PA)

“It was like those horrific birthday candles that you blow out and then they come back… it was really fast, it was fast, it wasn’t fire like I’d seen.”

Claudia said the incident was 'life changing, but not life defining'.

She said: “It was definitely life changing for me. I can’t remember life before it… I wish I had been dressed as the witch is mainly all I wish, that it had happened to me… She went up, and I don’t want that to happen to another child.

“I would like parents to – just on Halloween, just to think about what they’re going to put their kids in because I didn’t, and it cost us.”

Claudia is a Royal Television Society award winner (Ian West/PA)

Claudia, who missed several weeks of the BBC ballroom show to be with her daughter, eventually returned in triumph, picking up a Royal Television Society (RTS) award for her work.

Also featured in the show, which screens at 8pm tomorrow, is Jorge Leon-Vallapalos, the paediatric plastic surgeon who treated Matilda at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the show tests how safe high street costumes are.

See the full interview in Watchdog tonight at 8pm on BBC One.

Claudia Winkleman has been honoured with an award for her presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV personality won the prize for entertainment performance at the Royal Television Society (RTS) awards, beating Graham Norton and Keith Lemon.

Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly at another awards do (Ian West/PA)

She had earlier laughed off her chances of winning, admitting that she had not prepared a winner’s speech, saying: “No. It’s not going to happen.”

The judges described her as 'a genuinely individual performer, naturally quick and witty as well as being a consummate professional'.

The nomination alone was a coup, as neither co-host Tess Daly nor veteran presenter Sir Bruce have ever been nominated for an RTS award for the BBC One show – although Sir Bruce was crowned with a lifetime achievement award.

Graham Norton (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Graham may have lost out to Claudia, but his chat show did pick up the award for entertainment programme, with judges describing the show as 'effortlessly slick, brilliantly cast and continually fresh'.

Among the other winners announced at the ceremony, hosted by John Sergeant at Grosvenor House in London, was Sarah Lancashire, who won the female actor award for her role in BBC One drama series Happy Valley.

Sarah Lancashire (Ian West/PA)

Judges described her performance as having 'elevated this powerful piece to another level'.

She triumphed over Sheridan Smith, who played singer Cilla Black in the ITV biopic Cilla, and Georgina Campbell, who acted in the moving, true-story BBC Three drama Murdered By My Boyfriend.

Sheridan Smith (Ian West/PA)

Tom Hollander won the male actor award for his portrayal of Dylan Thomas in BBC Cymru Wales’ and BBC Two’s A Poet In New York, beating Toby Jones for acclaimed show Marvellous (BBC Two) and Adeel Akhtar for the second instalment of Utopia (Channel 4).

Tom Hollander (Ian West/PA)

Controller of drama commissioning at BBC Television Ben Stephenson, who was described as having had 'an extraordinary year', was presented with the judges’ award.

He was responsible for seven of the 10 most watched and most appreciated dramas of the year, judges said, listing successes such as The Fall, Line Of Duty, The Missing and 'not to mention a rejuvenated EastEnders'.

Danny Cohen, controller BBC Drama, said it was a great night for the station. “With 18 Royal Television Society awards, it’s been a brilliant night for BBC Television and I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this success,” he said.

Veteran arts broadcaster Melvyn Bragg was given the lifetime achievement award marking an incredible 52 years in television.

Melvyn Bragg (Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)

The South Bank show presenter was hailed was being 'synonymous with the arts', and credited as a 'great broadcaster and programme maker'.

D-Day: The Heroes Return picked up the live event award, and was described by judges as a 'hugely ambitious' and 'beautifully produced' programme.

Other drama award winners included Line Of Duty for drama series, The Honourable Woman for drama serial and Murdered By My Boyfriend for single drama.

Casualty won in the soap and continuing drama category.

Bear Grylls (Ian West/PA)

Channel 4′s The Island With Bear Grylls won in the popular, factual and features category, beating BBC One show The Great British Bake Off and 50 Ways To Kill Your Mammy (Sky 1HD).

In comedy, Harry & Paul’s Story Of The Twos, which had been nominated for three awards, won in the scripted comedy and writer-comedy categories.

The comedy performance award went to Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton for Inside No 9.

Billy Connolly took home the presenter award for Billy Connolly’s Big Send Off, while Gary Neville is celebrating success for the second year running, having won the sports presenter, commentator or pundit award.

Comic Relief’s biennial Red Nose Day event raised more than £78million which means that the charity has raised more than £1billion since it was founded 30 years ago.

Claudia Winkelman, one of the hosts of BBC1’s marathon show, Face The Funny, said that it was the highest total that had ever been raised on Red Nose Day. Meanwhile, Richard Curtis, who co-founded Comic Relief with Lenny Henry in 1985, said he was "enormously proud" of the charity's achievements.

He added: “This is a very strange moment for me. When a bunch of comedians got together all those years ago we dreamed of raising a million or two, and never imagined the generosity that would be shown by the British public for so many years.”

Before the show, which was held for the first time at the London Palladium, the charity had raised £960million since its launch. By the end of the show, the day’s total had exceeded more than £78million, pushing Comic Relief’s fundraising well over the £1billion mark.

Face The Funny was kicked off by Lenny Henry, who has hosted the show since it started in 1988, and featured Dermot O'Leary completing a 24-hour danceathon. The Radio 2 DJ raised more than £643,336 by dancing non-stop outside BBC Broadcasting House in London.

Rowan Atkinson reprised his role as Mr Bean, while Dawn French returned as Geraldine Grainger in The Vicar Of Dibley. The sketch, which saw the Geraldine hoping to become a bishop also featured Harry Potter star Emma Watson, One Foot In The Grave’s Annette Crosbie, actresses Maureen Lipman and Ruth Jones, and The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade.

Among the other highlights of the evening were a mockumentary claiming that Daniel Craig's voice is dubbed in the James Bond films and a One Direction tribute band called No Direction featuring the much more mature assemblage of comedians Johnny Vegas, Patrick Kielty, Vic Reeves, Jack Dee and Mick Helm.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXRdC_VoHgY&list=PL5KXCGEFbuhJfbbcqgQyY9Sf4PL01VSC7

John Bishop, Eddie Izzard, Davina McCall and David Walliam gave Monty Python’s classic Yorkshiremen sketch a modern edge, and there was a special edition of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice which saw four Star Bakers from The Great Comic Relief Bake Off series compete against each other. And it was Victoria Wood who emerged victorious!

As usual, there was a series of short films to remind us of the serious side of Comic Relief's work, with appeals presented by Peter Capaldi, Olivia Colman, Idris Elba and Lenny Henry.

But one of the most anticipated sketches of the night featured David Walliams returning as his Little Britain character Lou Todd. In the comedy series, Lou was the carer of Andy Pipkin, who usually only ever said “I want that one” and “I know”. But in this one-off skit, Lou was on a day out with none other than Professor Stephen Hawking who turned into a Transformer to attack an Irish nun played by Catherine T ate.

Stand-in Strictly presenter Zoe Ball has ruled herself out of taking the job on full time.

The former Radio 1 DJ proved an immensely popular temporary replacement for regular Strictly host Claudia Winkleman after the latter took time out from the show when her daughter Matilda was taken to hospital in November last year.

(Joe Giddens/PA)

Zoe, herself a former contestant who hosts spin-off show It Takes Two, won acclaim from the show’s millions of fans when she stepped in at the last minute to present alongside Tess Daly.

But despite the praise, Zoe said she would not consider taking on the role permanently were it to become available.

Zoe Ball with her husband Norman Cook, the DJ and producer Fatboy Slim, last month (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Speaking at the Tesco Mum of the Year awards in London, Zoe said: “It was a strange time because obviously it was in the worst circumstances that I stood in for Claudia, but it turned out OK and everyone was very welcoming.

“It was great to be able to do that for a mate and say: ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be there.’

“It was great fun and it was wonderful to wear a big frock and Tess was so supportive.”

Regular Strictly presenters Claudia and Tess (Matt Crossick/EMPICS Entertainment)

“But I think It Takes Two is my home, and Tess and Clauds are the main hosts. But they know I am on call should they need me at any time,” she added.

“They (BBC bosses) are keeping it the same way, which is just the way it should be. They do such a great job the two of them together.

“I like being on It Takes Two, it reminds me of my Live & Kicking days. Anyway, I’m much more comfortable in trousers.”

Claudia Winkleman has revealed that presenting The Great British Sewing Bee has not improved her sewing skills.

The 43-year-old host, who presents the BBC2 show, admitted that she once even added an extra arm onto a top.

"It hasn't improved my sewing skills. I'm still terrible. I can't thread a needle, to be honest," she says.

"I do try, though. My kids and I make all kinds of stuff that's really bad but weirdly, it becomes more fun when it's rubbish. I once managed to make a top with three arms so I'll never tell May Martin, the sewing expert, about that one."

The show, featuring May and Savile Row designer Patrick Grant as judges, aims to find the country's best amateur sewer when it returns to BBC Two on 5 February. 

This year's hopefuls range from an artisan cheese maker and a sports physiotherapist to a retired air hostess and ex-Army officer.

"They're a totally mixed bunch. My job is to bring them tea and comfort," Claudia said.

"It's terrifying what they have to do. Two hours to make a skirt? The pressure's ridiculous!"

The TV presenter, who co-hosted the last series of Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly, continued: "I love Patrick and May; all we do is laugh. They never try to trip up the sewers but they do push them and want the best for them.

"Strangely, the contestants find the judges scary but also love them. As I'm wandering around, I'll hear them say, 'Ooh, May will notice I've got it wrong' or 'Patrick won't like that stitching'. They desperately want to impress them and I admire that."

Watch the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee on Thursday 5 February on BBC2 at 8.00pm.

The Great British Sewing Bee is back and host Claudia Winkleman reveals it’s the toughest series yet, but the mixed bunch of contestants are up for the needle-threading challenges thrown at them.

Claudia says: “Just when you think you know what a sewer looks like, a totally mixed bunch turn up!

“We’ve got boys, girls, young, old, people who’ve just taken it up – all walks of life.”

The Great British Sewing Bee is now entering its third year. And, as the contestants get cannier about the format, the show has responded by getting tougher. So what can the diverse group of competitors, including Scottish dairy farmer Annie, British army Lieutenant Colonel Neil and Romanian delivery manager Alex, expect from judges May Martin and Patrick Grant this series?

Claudia reveals: “The challenges are more advanced. In this series they work with lace, neoprene and leather. It’s terrifying and the pressure is ridiculous!”

What’s on TV can reveal next week’s first challenge sees the 10 new contestants asked to make a pair of cotton trousers from a set pattern – with varying results. After the basic alteration challenge, they then get creative with some freestyle sewing! But not everyone turns a standard denim shirt into something impressive. And pressure is turned up in the final leg, when the sewers must create a made-to-measure dress for a real life model.

The sewers nerves are on edge as May and Patrick announce who has won Garment of the Week and reveal who is eliminated…

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia says: “Announcing who is leaving is very hard. The standard is extraordinary this series, so the judges have got tougher and really push them.

“It’s interesting to see how much the sewers all support each other. There is great camaraderie.”

As The Great British Sewing Bee’s presenter, Claudia reveals she does what she can to lift competitors’ spirits, although her sewing isn’t up to scratch...

“I can’t thread a needle to be honest! So I bring them tea, comfort and disgusting homemade biscuits!”

The Great British Sewing Bee starts on Thursday, February 5 on BBC2 at 8pm

Claudia Winkleman has spoken about how she and her husband make an effort to make their marriage work.

The Strictly Come Dancing presenter has said in the past that she and husband Kris Thykier faced challenges six years ago when he was based in Hollywood for work and she was still in London.

She told Red magazine how they now make their marriage work: “All I know is that you can have a different marriage with the same man. I think it’s also about growing older and being cosy.

Claudia and her husband Kris (Ian West/PA)

“Working too hard puts a strain on – but we’re still working hard now. We don’t have rules, but we look after each other more. So whoever comes home first normally makes the dinner. It’s just about being nice to each other.”

Claudia also talked about her style inspirations, saying: “I’ve never wanted to be sexy. Even when I was 18. It’s not my shizzle. I want to be funny. A genius. A biochemist. But not sexy.”

Claudia looks to Steven Tyler for style inspiration (Ian West/PA)

She added that she took style tips from Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler: “Not even a female version of Steven Tyler, just Steven Tyler.

“I have a photograph of him from about 20 years ago and he’s just wearing a black shirt, a bit of kohl, skinny jeans, hair all in his face and I thought, ‘That’s me! That’s what I want to look like.’”

Claudia Winkleman's eight-year-old daughter is in hospital after she was burned while celebrating Halloween.

Matilda is thought to have been out trick-or-treating on October 31 when the accident occurred with a candle.

Claudia, 42, and her husband Kris Thykier said in a statement that they're hopeful their daughter will make a full recovery.

"Our daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night while celebrating Halloween. She is having the best care possible and we are hopeful of a full recovery," the couple said.

"We would like to thank everyone that has been so supportive and particularly the NHS doctors, nurses and staff who have been absolutely incredible.

"We would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone taking part in fireworks parties or Guy Fawkes celebrations to be vigilant about the dangers of candles, open fires and fireworks and to please have the appropriate safety measures in place and to hand."

Claudia missed Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend following the incident.

The presenter was replaced by Zoe Ball when she pulled out of the BBC One show, when it was announced that one of her children had "become ill".

It is not yet known whether the TV host will be returning to Strictly at the weekend.

Claudia and her film producer husband have three young children - Jake and Arthur as well as Matilda.

The presenter took over as regular host of Strictly, joining Tess Daly, after Sir Bruce Forsyth bowed out from the show.

A BBC spokeswoman said when Claudia was absent at the weekend: "Claudia can't be with us tonight.

"One of her children is unwell, we wish them a speedy recovery. Zoe Ball from It Takes Two will be stepping in to co-host with Tess."

So, the rumours were true… Bruce Forsyth did make a return to Strictly Come Dancing as the 12th series launched.

But he didn’t stay long because the first night was really all about the celebrity dancers meeting their professional partners for the first time…

The dance competition’s new co-hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, introduced the 15 celebrities to their ballroom dancing partners, who then swept the celebs up the stairs and off for some serious training.

Here’s who’s dancing with who:

The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge is partnered by Kevin Clifton, his second series after his debut with Susanna Reid in 2013. "Strictly dancing is completely different to anything I do with The Saturday," Frankie said, looking worried.

Former Casualty star Sunetra Sarker is partnered by Brendan Cole, the first dancer to lift the trophy in series one with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky. "This is for my son, Noah, who wanted me to do Strictly," Sunetra revealed.

Tennis coach Judy Murray - Andy's mum - is partnered by Anton Du Beke, a seasoned pro, much like Judy, but he’s never won the glitter ball. "People see me as a bossy mother. This is a chance to show my fun side," Judy said.

Mrs Brown’s Boys star Jenny Gibney is partnered by Tristan McManus, who joins the series from Dancing With the Stars in America. "I'm looking forward to the tears, the laughter, the dancing," said Jenny.

Singer/songwriter Pixie Lott is partnered by Trent Whiddon in his first series. Trent is the Australian Professional Ten Dance Champion. "My dance partner will have to come on the road with me," warned Pixie.

TV presenter Caroline Flack is partnered by Pasha Kovalev, who was runner up in 2012 with Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh. "If I'm dancing to an emotional song there could be tears!" warned Caroline.

This Morning’s showbiz reporter Alison Hammond is partnered by Aljaz Skorjanec, the reigning champ with Abbey Clancy. "I'm loving being in the Strictly bubble. I'm going to bust some moves on the dance floor," Alison promised.

Antiques expert and TV presenter Tim Wonnacott is partnered by Natalie Lowe, who returns after missing last year through injury. "Being on Strictly has every potential for being a disaster," said. Tim.

Reality TV star Mark Wright is partnered by Karen Hauer, a graduate from ‘Fame School’ in New York, now in her third series. "I genuinely can not dance. I'm known as 'Marky No-Moves'. There's only one thing I can do and that's go for it," Mark smiled.

Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills is partnered by Joanne Clifton, sister of Kevin. They’re the first siblings to take part in the show. "I'm very clumsy. If anyone falls, it will be me!" warned Scott.

Blue singer Simon Webbe is partnered by Kristina Rihanoff, who has also been busy choreographing So You Think You Can Dance. "I'm in it to win it," said Simon.

MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace is partnered by Aliona Vilani, 2011 champ with McBusted’s Harry Judd. "I'm worried about Craig because he was a contestant on MasterChef. I wish I'd let him win now!" Gregg laughed.

EastEnders star Jake Wood is partnered by Janette Manrara, who is in her second season with Strictly, after partnering fashion designer Julian MacDonald in 2013. "It's so out of my comfort zone," said Jake. "Bring it on!"

Wildlife TV presenter Steve Backshall is partnered by Ola Jordan, who won series seven with radio and TV presenter Chris Hollins and last year’s Christmas special with JLS singer JB Gill. "Let's hope that on the dance floor I turn out to be more like a puma than a hippopotamus," said Steve.

Former professional rugby player-turned-model Thom Evans is partnered by Iveta Luko, who danced with actor Mark Benton in 2013. "I can't wait to get into the ballroom, I love dancing," said Thom.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC1 with the lives shows starting on Friday, September 26 and Saturday 27 September.

Click here for our picture special on this series’ dancing couples.

Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan has been sacked after eight years - and his wife Ola could quit despite being offered a big money deal, reports the Sunday People.

On May 8, James, 36, was told he was not part of Strictly’s plans and was offered a low-profile job as a backing dancer.

He has told friends he is livid because he feels he has been loyal to the BBC for so many years.

Now Ola, 31, has to make the agonising decision of whether or not to resign.

She wants to be loyal to her husband but now they have lost half of their joint £60,000 annual income from Strictly.

Ola also makes tens of thousands from calendars and media deals by appearing on the dance contest.

A source close to the couple said: “The BBC have decided they don’t want James as a high-profile dancer this year.

“They have taken a look at who they have and who fits the bill best. Frankly the BBC are sick of the James and Ola show.

“He’s fuming. He very much sees himself and Ola as the stars of the show and can’t understand why he hasn’t been invited back.

“He has spent years working with them and feels he has given so much. This has come as a real shock to him.

“To say it all kicked off would be an understatement. This really has not gone down very well at all.”

The couple have been in negotiations and are yet to tell the BBC if they will take up the offers.

Ola says she feels “safer” when James is on the show - particularly after the bullying row involving fellow pro Karen Hauer last year, which saw her threatening to leave halfway through the series.

Back then Ola, who won the show in 2009 with presenter Chris Hollins, fled in tears after Karen told her she was a “rubbish dancer” so should go to the back.

She was persuaded to return and continued to dance with actor Ashley Taylor-Dawson until they were voted off in the semi-finals.

Karen is definitely returning to the show this year, which concerns Ola as sources close to her say without her husband there to “protect” her she fears there could be a repeat of the bust-up.

Bosses are hopeful that she will sign up but friends say she is desperate for the BBC to take James back in his former role.

The pal said: “Ola loves Strictly but she is in a real quandary. She and James are a partnership.

“So for one to do the show and the other not is strange and sad for her.”

A BBC spokesman said yesterday: “We don’t comment on speculation and the line-up will be announced in due course.”

The BBC has confirmed that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will front the show - becoming the first all-female duo to present a primetime Saturday slot in the corporation’s history.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens in the autumn.

A week after we first reported it, the BBC has confirmed that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be the new double act presenting Strictly Come Dancing when it returns to our screens in the autumn.

Following the announcement last month of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure from the show, Tess and Claudia were strongly fancied to land the permanent slot together after impressing viewers with their on-screen chemistry in the weekly results show and Sir Bruce Forsyth’s occasional absences.

Presenting duties will now work with Tess taking Sir Bruce’s position introducing each of the dances and probing the judges for their reactions.

Claudia, who will be upstairs hosting the post-dance interviews, said: “I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens and I am honoured and thrilled to now be part of the Saturday night team.”

“Working alongside Tess is always fantastic and I can’t wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet. Sir Bruce is a living legend and we'll all miss him very much.”

Tess said: “I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia - she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her.

“It’s really exciting having two women host the show, and we are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor, and of course I’ll look forward to being reunited with Brucie for the Children In Need and Christmas shows.”

Programme judge Bruno Tonioli recently declared he would love to see the duo given the role, when he said : “I’ll be delighted to have Tess and Claudia - they are fantastic, they work very well together.”

Show bosses are currently in talks to finalise the line-up for the professional dancers.

Charlotte Moore, the controller of BBC One said: “Tess and Claudia are a fantastic duo and natural successors to Strictly’s presenting line up now that Sir Bruce has decided to step down.

“Their commitment and passion for the show make them the perfect pairing to take Strictly into a new era.”

– Press Association

The BBC has reportedly decided to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman - its first all-female pairing to host a prime-time Saturday night show.

It is hoped the duo will see off the threat posed by Simon Cowell’s X Factor and protect the “jewel in the BBC’s ratings crown”, says the Sunday People.

A Strictly source said: “It will work like the shows that Bruce missed last series. Tess will be the main presenter, with Claudia doing the post-dance interviews.

“This very much fits in with [BBC director of TV] Danny Cohen’s desire to be seen to promote female faces during prime time.”

BBC bosses feel 45-year-old Tess’s traditional approach and 42-year-old Claudia’s offbeat style will be the perfect blend. Claudia’s appointment comes after she impressed when stepping in for Sir Bruce, 86, on the Sunday night results show.

The source added: “Claudia is very well liked in-house but it has taken a year or two for the audience to get used to her quirkier presenting style. But she has broken through thanks to her natural enthusiasm.

"Producers like the relationship between her and Tess. They gel nicely together.”

The source added: “The show under went a resurgence in the last series with more money spent on costumes and props, plus the move to a bigger studio at Elstree.

“The producers want to capitalise on the success of the last series when it trounced X Factor. They need something much fresher to go into battle with Simon Cowell.

“His Britain’s Got Talent has comprehensively seen off The Voice in recent years. They don’t want him to trump Strictly - the jewel in the ratings crown for the BBC.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We are not commenting on speculation. The new presenting line up will be announced in due course.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC1 later in the year.

The big question is: how does Vernon Kay fancy teaming up with his missus, Tess Daly, as a glamorous husband and wife presenting duo on Strictly Come Dancing?

“That question always makes me laugh,” says Vernon. “When someone says to you, ‘Would you like to co-host the most successful show on British television at the moment?’, who’s going to say no?

“What idiot is going to turn around and say, ‘You know what, I do not want to host a Saturday night BBC primetime show that averages 11.5million viewers a week’. ”

It must be an enticing proposition for Vernon and Tess. They have already shared the screen several times, including co-presenting the BBC’s celebrity sing-off Just The Two Of Us seven years ago.

“It would be great to work with Tess again,” Vernon told the Mirror newspaper. “It’s such a good laugh - the relationship on screen is exactly the same as it is at home.

“She is meticulous when it comes to detail, whereas I like ad-libbing around the script. I don’t necessarily learn it word for word, so Tess keeps me in check. If someone offered us something together, we wouldn’t turn it down.

“It’s like Brucie said, you never turn down a hit. Whoever gets the Strictly role is very lucky, but you can be sure they will be the right person. I don’t think the Beeb will make the mistake of giving that job to someone who doesn’t fit into the Strictly Come Dancing family.”

The hot favourite is Claudia Winkleman, who presented Strictly spin-off It Takes Two before graduating to host the Sunday results show and standing in for Bruce.

Flamboyant judge Bruno Tonioli has already named Claudia as his preferred choice. And as much as Vernon might fancy the position himself, he admits Claudia would do a fantastic job if she got it.

“Claudia’s already known for being on the show. She’s familiar with the viewers and she and Tess have a great relationship,” Vernon says.

“They are like mischievous schoolgirls. It’s not just on-screen - that’s what they are like in real life, too.

“When those two get together the fellas take a back seat. It would be pretty phenomenal to have such a successful show presented by two women as well. I doff my cap to the Beeb if they choose to do that.”

The job is currently still open, though, with Torchwood star John Barrowman, comedian/presenter Graham Norton, DIY SOS host Nick Knowles and Strictly dancer Anton Du Beke, also reportedly being considered.

Away from all the Strictly speculation Vernon is looking forward to his 40th birthday on April 28, though he has no idea what Tess has in store for him.

They prefer surprises.

It’s a landmark birthday that strikes dread into many, but Vernon says his big day will be a cause for celebration.

“I’ve never seen it as getting old - I see it as experience,” he says. “Life is about experiencing different things, enjoying yourself and doing things that test you.

“Besides, there’s one way I’ll know when I’m getting old - bath taps. I remember sitting around with my uni flatmates agreeing that you know you’re getting old when you buy bath taps.

“That’s one of those pivotal points in your life, when you know you are mature, you have a mortgage and you have responsibility.”

So do Vernon and Tess spend Saturday afternoons sizing up fixtures and fittings in hardware stores? Vernon laughs.

“No, I still feel like I’m in my prime,” he says. “I still love going clubbing, I still like dance music, following my favourite DJs like Pete Tong, and I still like playing American football.”

In fact, that’s a big part of his life. Last season he was in the London Warriors team that won the Brit Bowl final.

“I love it,” he says. “The average age is 23 or 24. There’s just me and one other guy pushing 40. It’s great to be able to compete with those guys because we have some fantastic athletes.

“They do call me Uncle Vern, but they see I compete and get stuck in as much as they do and I think they respect me, too.”

He also hosts the American Football Show for Channel 4, which has given him a few memorable moments.

He says: They do things differently over there. They open up the locker room to the media five minutes after the game and I found myself interviewing this guy standing there stark naked.

“I did the classic English thing, all coy and prudish, looking at the ceiling. It was so funny. He just said, ‘Make sure you shoot me from the belly-button up’.”

Vernon says his daughters, Phoebe and Amber, keep him fit, too.

“The kids keep us on our toes,” he says. “I love going out, taking them to the theatre and watching them at ballet.

“Tess and I try to juggle our schedules around them because we are both really hands-on as parents.

“We don’t have a nanny and we try to keep them out of the limelight. We both had proper Northern upbringings and that’s what we want to give our kids - albeit with their Queen’s English accents.”

Even if he doesn’t land the Strictly job, Vernon is in line to follow in Bruce Forsyth’s footsteps by reviving his classic game show Play Your Cards Right. The project is still on the table despite a few reported difficulties.

“That show is flawless,” says Vernon. “It’s like Family Fortunes - and that’s why people still love them.

“Bruce is phenomenal. He is the best of the best at that kind of show. So who’s the first person you ring for advice? The man himself.

“I sent him a copy of the pilot and he loved it. How can you top that? To get the thumbs-up from the man himself - it’s like being knighted.”

A new series of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC1 later this year.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has revealed he would like the show's stand-in host Claudia Winkleman to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth.

He said he would like to see her continue her on-screen partnership with Tess Daly when the BBC One programme returns in the autumn.

Sir Bruce announced earlier this month that he was stepping down from the live Strictly shows after a decade-long reign on the contest, presenting alongside Tess.

His departure has prompted speculation about the long-term replacement, but Bruno - who has been with Strictly since the beginning - backed Claudia and Tess, although he was unsure what BBC bosses had in mind.

The duo have been presenters on the Sunday night results show and have shown off their sparkling chemistry when Sir Bruce has taken a rest or been ill.

Speaking as he attended Brit Week in Los Angeles, Bruno said: "Personally, when Tess and Claudia did the show they know how it works, they are part of the family.

"Strictly Come Dancing is almost like an institution itself now in Britain, and I would be very, very happy for them, but it's not my show. I don't have any power and it is the big bosses that will make the decision. But I'll be delighted to have Tess and Claudia - they are fantastic, they work very well together."

He went on: "The show is very, very strong. I don't know what is going to happen. I'm sure the replacement will be as good, as entertaining as Bruce, but Bruce is such a legend especially in Britain, he's a national treasure, so you can never try to be another Bruce.

"I think it has to be something completely different. The girls did very well. Tess and Claudia did a fantastic job."

– Press Association

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has revealed some extreme criticism that forced her into a new hairstyle.

She joked to What's on TV: “Somebody I work with told me to get my fringe under control! They said ‘It’s like you’re having a laugh, and you’re really irritating to watch’.

“It was fair enough. We’re good friends, and I welcome criticism.”

Chatting to What’s on TV during an interview about the new series of The Great British Sewing Bee, Claudia continued: “I never watch footage of myself, I’m so annoying! That’s why I’ve never improved. I’d vomit [if I had to watch myself]. It’s the same as hearing yourself leave a voice message – only worse.

“I think I’m a bit shrill, a bit annoying and I’ve an enormous amount of hair over my face!

“I don’t have mirrors in my house, really, because I don’t believe in what we look like. I also have very bad eyesight. So in my head I’m like a supermodel!

She also joked about her unique formula for winning over the contestants on BBC2’s The Great British Sewing Bee:

“They were very good at ignoring me. If you’re sewing you just want to sew, you don’t want me in your face, being a moron with a massive fringe, asking ‘Did you always want to use red thread on that?’ So I bake for them to try and win them round!”

The new six-part series of The Great British Sewing Bee starts on BBC2 on Tuesday, with Claudia working alongside judges May Martin and Patrick Grant.

*If you have the sewing bug, our friends at Woman's Weekly have some great ideas for simple sewing projects. Click HERE for their ideas.

The presenter of The Great British Sewing Bee has revealed she was worried the show might be a flop when filming began on the first series.

"I love The Great British Bake Off so when the makers of that phoned me up and asked me would I like to work on their new show I replied – 'I love you, I'll do whatever you want!'" laughed Claudia Winkleman during a recent interview for the second series of the sewing show.

The BBC2 programme, which saw 81-year-old yoga enthusiast Ann crowned queen of the sewing circle, pulled in 2.7 million viewers for it's series finale and was immediately recommissioned. Claudia, however, had some doubts early in the filming process.

“When I turned up on the first day I phoned my agent and I said 'Jo, I'm in a room of people bent over machines… nobody's going to watch it.' But thankfully they did!"

She added: "The contestants are brilliant because they don't want to be on telly. There isn't any fake tension, they just want to sew the best they can.

"Normally they'd sew in their front rooms watching telly and all of a sudden they're doing it with the cameras on them! It makes for a different atmosphere. You can tell a lot about people's personalities when they're under pressure, the cameras are on and it becomes more important."

The new six-part series airs on BBC2 on Tuesday 18th February, and will see 10 contestants battling it out under the watchful eyes of expert sewing judges May Martin and Savile Row's Patrick Grant.

As Strictly Come Dancing heads to Blackpool, presenting pals Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman tell TV Times magazine about sisterhood, the seaside and snowglobes!

So this year’s Strictly is shaping up to be one of the best yet as it isn’t obvious who’ll win...

Claudia: "I know! Often you’ve got an inkling or know who the top two will be, but I don’t think anybody’s got a clue this time – and that’s what makes it so thrilling."

Tess: "It’s anyone’s game. The women are doing very well, but the guys – Ashley Taylor Dawson, even Ben Cohen - could be the dark horses..."

What do you love most about being part of the Strictly juggernaut?

Claudia: "It feels like Christmas every week, I don’t know how else to describe it. Strictly lives in a slightly different world and when you step into it, you go: ‘Ah, slight time change’. It’s like you’re in a snowglobe. It’s warm and also non-competitive. Of course they want to do well, but it’s not mean, it’s full of joy."

Tess: "I agree, there’s an infectious joy that surrounds the show. Being live also adds a frizz of excitement; the adrenaline in the audience is palpable. Many of the crew have worked on Strictly since it started and there’s a genuine team spirit behind-the-scenes."  

What’s your favourite moment of the show?

Tess: :Seeing them dance for the first time in costume with the live band during the dress rehearsal is a real 'Ooh, ahh’ moment."

Claudia: "I like anything that isn’t to do with me! So, even though it’s awful, it’s the drama of the red light when Tess announces who’s in the dance off. I can’t take my eyes of them wondering who it’s going to be."

Do you record the show to watch back in case you miss anything?

Claudia: "Noooo! I never watch myself on television. Hilariously, my children and I watch the Saturday night show obsessively and then they never know who goes out. They don’t really know what I do on the show, they just know mummy goes to work on Strictly at the weekends."

Tess: "My daughter wanted to watch the Halloween special again because she’d missed some of the costumes and routines – being a girl she loves the sparkling spectacle of it all. So we watched it back and it was interesting to see the show from a viewer’s perspective."

Claudia, TV Times was in the audience when you stepped in for Brucie in week one. Before the show started, you said you felt a bit nervous. 

"No, not a little bit – I was almost sick! I hate it. I feel like I can’t breathe. It’s too nerve wracking. I don’t know how Bruce and Tess do it every week."

Viewers wouldn’t have guessed...

Claudia: :Tess helps because I love her and she looks after me. I feel like she’s the pro. She guides me and just gives my arm a little squeeze."

Tess: "Aww, I’m the mum in the relationship. Claudia’s adorable and gets quite nervous but I say to her, “Don’t worry, darling. Look we’re mothers, we’ve been through childbirth, this is nothing!” And she laughs."

Claudia: "Once the show’s up and running, the worse that can happen is I make a huge mistake, I’m fired, life will continue. But before it starts, it feels like so much is riding on it. I’m just terrified. I’m not used to viewers, I don’t like viewers, I don’t know what to do with them!"

With all the TV bromances, it’s nice to have a womance on our screens...

Tess: "Isn’t that great? I think it’s wonderful we get to stand side-by-side on a primetime show like Strictly because I can’t think of any show on television with two ladies hosting it."

Claudia: "And Tess and I get on brilliantly. We laugh and laugh and laugh."

Tess: "Claudia’s a blast! She’s so cheeky and is side-splitting funny - I keep telling her to do stand-up. When I lived in London, we’d bump into each other with our baby buggies and have a chat en route to the shops, but I got to know her well doing Strictly. The more I know her, the more I like her. She’s a real girls’ girl."

Talking of being girly... Do have fun comparing notes on what you’re wearing?

Tess: "Yes, we’re in and out of each other’s dressing rooms, Claud shows me her shoes and we discuss outfits. We’re girls, we love talking fashion, what can I say!"  

You’re hotfooting it back to Blackpool this week for a seaside special. Excited?

Claudia: "I love Blackpool! The history and beauty of Tower Ballroom makes the show feel extra special. All the celebs want to get to Blackpool and none of them want to go out there. We have the best time. I eat more fried food than I know what to do with."

"One night we stayed in a hotel and I remember eating chips, laughing and drinking in the bar with Tess and Pamela Stephenson until someone had to come up and say 'Oi, go to bed!' This year though, as my two-year-old believes he’s nocturnal, what I really want to do is sleep."

Tess: "It’s two years since we were Tower Ballroom and it’s fun as it’s so iconic and the home of ballroom. We make the most of it, it’s barm cakes and sticks of rock all round! I love it because I’m from the north so it feels like going home. We’re already planning outfits!"

How does Blackpool bling differ to normal Strictly bling?

Claudia: "It's full-on glamour – they might use a feather!"

Tess: "It’s essentially a normal show, with a bit of Northern sparkle."