Claudia Winkleman fans finally have an answer, as the BBC has confirmed the start date of her new chat show and given us a hilarious first look.
The Claudia Winkleman Show will see the TV favourite hosting her own sofa packed with celebrity guests.
It comes just two months after she signed off from Strictly Come Dancing following an 11 year run.
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Alongside co-host Tess Daly, she left Strictly for good on Christmas Day.
Claudia returned quickly for the 2026 series of The Traitors, but that run wrapped just three weeks later.
For viewers missing her weekly presence, this news lands at the right time.
Here is everything confirmed so far, including the start date, who she’s chatting to on the opening night and what Claudia herself has said.
If that’s not enough, you can scroll down for a cheeky first look, too.
She paints herself a very bright shade of orange, so it is worth a watch!
The Claudia Winkleman Show on the BBC
The new series comes from the production team behind The Graham Norton Show. With that pedigree, expectations are naturally high.
Each episode will feature Claudia chatting to major names from television, film and music, all from her own sofa.
A live studio audience will also be part of the set up, stepping in to help shape what the BBC describes as lively conversations.
BBC executives have made no secret of their enthusiasm. They have called Claudia “a true national treasure”.
Kalpna Patel Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Claudia is a true national treasure warm, witty and endlessly entertaining.
“She has an extraordinary ability to put people at ease and bring out the very best in them, whether they’re global superstars or members of the audience.
“It’s very exciting that she will be fronting her very own show on the BBC, and we can’t wait for viewers to join Claudia and her sofa full of stars.”
Claudia reacts to news of her own chat show
In typical Claudia fashion, she insists the show could be a disaster.
After more than a decade on Strictly and a hugely successful run on The Traitors, viewers may disagree with her self assessment.
Speaking about the opportunity, 53-year-old Claudia said: “I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity.
“I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”
How many episodes?
The BBC has confirmed the first run will consist of seven episodes. Each instalment will last 50 minutes.
Executive Producer Graham Stuart said: “Graham Norton has made the Friday night talk show slot a dazzling appointment to view.
“How can you possibly follow that? By booking a host equally as brilliant. So we have.”
Who is on the first episode?
The BBC has confirmed the first guests Claudia will welcome to her sofa, and it is a strong mix of Hollywood names and British favourites.
Claudia will sit down with Jurassic Park and Wicked star Jeff Goldblum. Alongside his film career, he performs with his band Jeff Goldblum And The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. They have released a new album titled Night Blooms, which he will be discussing.
Vanessa Williams also joins the line up. She will chat about taking on the lead role in the West End musical The Devil Wears Prada.
Absolutely Fabulous favourite Jennifer Saunders is set to bring plenty of laughs. Claudia will speak to her about her new film, The Magic Faraway Tree.
Comedian Tom Allen completes the first announced guests. He will be telling Claudia about his latest book, Common Decency, adding his trademark humour to the sofa.
When does The Claudia Winkleman Show start?
Claudia will step into the Friday night slot currently occupied by The Graham Norton Show.
There are two episodes left in Graham’s current run and they are both highlights specials. He signs off on Friday March 6.
The BBC has confirmed that The Claudia Winkleman Show will begin on Friday March 13, 2026, which is the following week.
The exact time has now also been revealed. Just like The Graham Norton Show, The Claudia Winkleman Show will start at 10.40pm.
Claudia’s show has the same duration of 50 minutes, meaning it ends at 11.30pm.
We cannot wait!
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