CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN QUITS BBC CHAT SHOW AFTER ONE SERIES

Claudia Winkleman has ended her BBC chat show after one series of seven episodes. The programme, produced by So Television, ran for seven weeks in spring and featured guests including Lisa Kudrow, Jeff Goldblum, Niall Horan and Rachel Zegler. Winkleman stated in a statement that she was "incredibly grateful to the BBC" for commissioning the show but had been "too nervous to enjoy it". She added that she already hosts shows she loves and may attempt another chat programme in future.

The series attracted an average combined audience of between 1.5 million and 2 million viewers per episode. Critical reception was mixed: some reviewers described the show as entertaining and "full of banter", whilst others characterised it as "messy" and "a bit of a bore". Other notable guests who appeared included Ralph Fiennes, James McAvoy, Jamie Dornan, Vanessa Williams and Josh Widdicombe. The production company behind the programme also makes the chat series hosted by Graham Norton, who reduced his annual episode count in 2022 to favour a shorter autumn and winter run.

Ed Havard, Director of Entertainment at the BBC, stated the corporation "loved the show" and respected Winkleman's decision to step back. The BBC confirmed Winkleman will return to the channel later this year when The Celebrity Traitors returns for a new series. So Television and the BBC thanked the production team for bringing the series to screen.