CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN'S NEW ROLE REVEALED JUST MONTHS AFTER STRICTLY COME DANCING EXIT

Claudia Winkleman's new role has been revealed just months after her Strictly Come Dancing exit.

The 54-year-old presenter and her co-star Tess Daly stunned viewers in October 2025 when they revealed they would be leaving the beloved show at the conclusion of the latest series.

The duo have helmed the popular BBC dance contest together since 2014, following Claudia's appointment to replace Sir Bruce Forsyth, who had originally presented alongside Tess from 2004.

In a shared announcement, the pair confirmed: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."

Just two months after their final live show, Claudia has now secured an exciting new role. The television personality has officially become part of Channel 4's presenting line-up for Crufts 2026, reports Wales Online.

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Claudia will team up with Clare Balding and the team to deliver live broadcasts of the globe's most renowned canine competition when it returns to Channel 4 next month (Thursday, March 5). The four-day spectacle will air on both Channel 4 and More4, featuring nearly 20 hours of live programming to captivate dog enthusiasts nationwide.

Regular Crufts correspondent Radzi Chinyanganya also makes his return, alongside Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds, who is back for her second year at Birmingham's NEC to deliver special segments and interviews whilst uncovering the latest developments from the competition.

Resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow will also be on hand to provide viewers with guidance on optimal dog care practices, whilst Jim Rosenthal and Frank Kane will deliver commentary throughout the event.

Crufts coverage will feature breed judging, agility, flyball and heelwork to music, alongside the cream of the crop vying for the coveted Best in Show title - which was claimed by four-year-old Italian Whippet Miuccia last year.

Expressing her enthusiasm in a statement, Claudia declared: "I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I'd rather be. I can't wait to join this incredible team and I'm so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats."

Clare Balding remarked: "I'm really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team. She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style."

Pete Andrews, head of sport at Channel 4, echoed the sentiment: "Crufts holds a special place in the hearts of Channel 4 viewers. There is no other event like it, and it is such a thrill to be welcoming Claudia to our brilliant gang of presenters and adding to our celebration of all-things dog."

Away from Strictly, Claudia boasts other prominent presenting roles, including hosting the BBC's beloved gameshow The Traitors and music competition programme The Piano.

After Tess and Claudia announced their departure, speculation has been rampant about possible replacements, with several big names being thrown into the mix, including Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, Fleur East, Janette Manrara and Rylan Clark.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, while Crufts will air on Channel 4 and More4 from Thursday, March 5

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2026-02-10T11:07:25Z