Channel 4

BAFTA TV winner takes swipe at the BBC during live show over Gaza documentary decision

A BAFTA winner broke the fourth wall during the awards’ ceremony to ask BBC bosses if they would cut footage of Gaza: Doctors Under Attack winning the prize for best film about current affairs

A BAFTA winner took aim at the BBC during the ceremony after a documentary about Gaza triumphed at the prestigious television awards ceremony.

The current affairs film Gaza: Doctors Under Attack picked up a major prize at the BAFTA Television Awards tonight (Sunday, 10 May). But the moment quickly turned political when executive producer Ben De Pear used his acceptance speech to question the broadcaster that originally commissioned the programme.

The one-off documentary, which features testimonies from Palestinian healthcare workers and documents attacks on medical facilities in Gaza, was initially commissioned by the BBC before being shelved over impartiality concerns. It was later broadcast by Channel 4 instead.

When he took to the stage after the film won in the current affairs category, Ben thanked the journalists involved in making the documentary before addressing the BBC directly.

He fired his parting shot, asking: “Finally, just a question for the BBC: given you dropped our film, will you drop us from the Bafta screening later tonight?”

BBC One was responsible for the TV coverage of the BAFTA Awards night, but did not air the ceremony live. The reception of each award was broadcast to the public around two hours after the actual events took place.

Ben was joined on stage by journalist Ramita Navia, who delivered a powerful speech about the findings of the investigation featured in the film.

He shared: ” Israel has killed over 47,000 children and women in Gaza. So far, Israel has bombed and targeted every single one of Gaza’s hospitals.

“It’s killed over 1,700 Palestinian doctors and health care workers. It has imprisoned over 400 in what the UN now calls the medicide. These are the findings of our investigation that the BBC paid for but refused to show.

“But we refuse to be silenced and censored. We thank Channel 4 for showing this film. Right now, there are over 80 Palestinian doctors and healthcare workers being held in detention centres that Israeli human rights groups describe as torture camps. We dedicate this award to them.”

The documentary was originally commissioned over a year ago by the BBC via their independent production company Basement Films.

However, the broadcaster delayed its release while an internal review into a separate Gaza-related programme was carried out. After that review process, the corporation ultimately decided not to air the film.

At the time, the BBC said it had concerns the programme could create “a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect”.

The corporation also confirmed that production on the documentary had been paused while the review was was being conducted. Despite dropping the programme, the BBC said it remained committed to reporting on the conflict.

In a statement previously issued by the BBC, the broadcaster said it was “committed to covering the conflict in Gaza and has produced powerful coverage”.

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Greg Davies ‘ready for a wife’ as he makes heartbreaking plea

Greg Davies has been called up to host the BAFTA TV Awards for the first time1

Greg Davies is back on our screens tonight as he hosts the BAFTA TV Awards for the very first time.

The 57-year old, known for co-hosting the hit comedy gameshow Taskmaster, follows in the footsteps of Graham Norton, Lenny Henry and Michael Parkinson in his MC role and said it was an opportunity he could not turn down.

“I used to watch Stephen Fry at the Baftas and marvel at his cool, intellectual charm. I won’t be bringing that,” laughed Greg ahead of the show.

The 6ft 8in funnyman shot to fame after starring as headteacher Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners and has since become a regular fixture on our screens, thanks to his TV roles in The Cleaner, Brassic, Cuckoo and Man Down.

Speaking as a guest at the BAFTAs last year, Greg gave a rare update on his personal life as he said he was ‘ready for a wife’.

The Taskmaster star and his co-host Alex Horne were nominated in the Entertainment category for their Channel 4 programme alongside The 1% Club, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Would I Lie to You?

Speaking on the red carpet, Alex said: “We’re an unlikely couple,” with Greg piping up: “That’s why we’re a good team.”

Alex then added: “And I would like to thank my wife for getting us here tonight,” before Greg joked: “I don’t have a wife so maybe I can thank Alex’s wife.”

Tom insisted he could meet his wife at the star-studded event, with Greg responding: “Maybe I will, I’m open to it. It would be so lovely, it’s been too long and I’m ready now.”

Alex simply quipped: “Lonely”,” as Greg added: “Oh god, the horrible hot lonely tears.”

The Cleaner star was in a relationship with Labour Party politician Liz Kendall between 2007 and 2015, but usually keeps his love life under wraps.

Liz told previously The Mirror about their romance: “I am not going to be the sort of politician who does all that stuff about their private life because it’s very precious to me and really important to me that I have that space that’s personal and just to me. We are not together any more but we remain really good friends.”

In the past Greg has made jokes about his disastrous single life and previously said he ‘gave up’ on romance while on The Graham Norton Show.

Greg said his grandfather once caught him in an embrace with his first girlfriend and the experience left him mortified. “It’s not for me, romance… that was the day I gave up on romance,” he explained. However, Greg counts one ex-girlfriend of changing the course of his life. His former partner, who he has not named, convinced him to switch from his teaching career to one in comedy. Speaking to The Times, he said: “I’ve been doing comedy for about 15 years now. I always wanted to do it, I just never had thick enough skin.

“A girlfriend I had while teaching was a pragmatist and always told me that if you want to do something, then go for it. So eventually I made the switch. Comedy is definitely where I’m happiest.”

During an interview with OK! magazine, Greg admitted that he had quite the crush on former Blue Peter star Janet Ellis, who also happens to be the mother of popstar Sophie Ellie Bextor.

Mortified Greg recalled: “I met Janet Ellis once in a fish and chip shop. I used to have a terrible crush on her, all throughout my childhood. Then I finally met her and said something humiliating, I think chips-based, that guaranteed I would never end up in the relationship I craved.” He added: “I met her daughter Sophie on a show once and told her I fancied her mum and she rolled her eyes and said ‘everyone does’.”

While he was known for playing doting dad Ken in the sitcom Cuckoo, the actor himself does not have any children. He does, however, have lots of experience looking after kids as he was a secondary school drama and English teacher for 13 years before moving into comedy.

That’s not Greg’s only transformation. In recent years the funnyman has admitted to using Ozempic to lose weight after receiving concerning health news from his doctor.

The host claimed to have lost three stone – and named the diabetic medication in an interview. Ozempic is not designed as a weight loss drug and is used instead as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults – however, many patients have experienced weight loss as a side effect.

He told The Times: “[I] lost three stone on the old Ozempic, in about four months, before putting most of it back on.” The interview also notes that his doctor warned him that if he was shorter, he would “look obese” – and that he is now considering turning to fasting in an attempt to maintain his weight.

Noting that he is not concerned about ageing, he added: “I think that’s probably good in my game, isn’t it?”

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‘Stunning’ mystery series perfect for Beyond Paradise fans is free to stream

The fourth season of Beyond Paradise may have ended but fans can catch up with another detective duo

Beyond Paradise fans can enjoy another thrilling detective series after the BBC show recently ended.

On Friday evening (May 1), Beyond Paradise viewers were left distraught as the series concluded after a successful four seasons.

The popular crime drama, featuring Kris Marshall returning to his Death in Paradise character DI Humphrey Goodman alongside Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, debuted in 2023 and was an instant hit.

Audiences will be hoping the BBC will soon release more information on new episodes of Beyond Paradise, but in the meantime, crime drama fans are urged to watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, which can be streamed on Channel4.com.

The detective period drama follows the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a private detective operating in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1920s.

Not only is the wealthy, sharp-witted Fisher incredibly glamorous, but she also has the talent to solve cases that police can’t crack. She is often paired with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page), and the duo uses each other’s expertise to investigate crimes.

However, Fisher remains haunted by the tragedy surrounding her younger sister, often wrestling with the question of whether she could have done more to prevent it. The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015

The show is inspired by Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery novels, which brought the iconic Phryne Fisher to life. The series began with the 1989 novel Cocaine Blues and spanned 23 books.

The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries was followed up by a feature film, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, released in 2020.

The show is rated 8.2/10 on IMDB with one fan calling the show “another excellent offering”, adding “The story lines, characters, writing, acting, sets, period ambiance… whatever else… are all superb.”

Another explained: “Sultry and stunning period mystery series. As a lifelong mystery buff, I find “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” to be a real treat.”

“Lots of fun, and looks gorgeous. I happened upon Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries quite by accident”, added another.

Who else stars in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries? The cast of the crime drama includes:

  • Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher
  • Nathan Page as Detective Inspector Jack Robinson
  • Ashleigh Cummings as Dorothy ‘Dot’ Williams
  • Hugo Johnstone-Burt as Constable Hugh Collins
  • Richard Bligh as Mr. Tobias Butler
  • Travis McMahon as Bert Johnson
  • Anthony Sharpe as Cecil ‘Cec’ Yates
  • Tammy MacIntosh as Dr. Elizabeth ‘Mac’ Macmillan
  • Miriam Margolyes as Prudence Elizabeth Stanley
  • Ruby Rees-Wemyss as Jane Ross
  • Nicholas Bell as Murdoch Foyle
  • Pip Miller as The Baron of Richmond, Henry George Fisher

Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries can be streamed on Channel 4.

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Who is Risdon Roberts? Virgin Island star’s life including acting past

The Channel 4 show’s newest surrogate partner therapist may look familiar to some viewers

Risdon Roberts it the newest addition to Virgin Island’s therapy team, but some fans may recognise her.

She is appearing on the Channel 4 show as a surrogate partner therapist, a professional who can offer two-way touch with the cast and even engage in full sex if deemed appropriate. She is the third so-called ‘sex surrogate’ on the show alongside Kat Slade, 35, and Andre Lazarus, 42.

In tonight’s episode (May 4) fans will get a glimpse at Risdon’s work with 25-year-old accountant Tegan, with the pair trying out directed gazing. This involves staring at different parts of the body in a bid to stir up feelings of desire.

As Risdon gets more screen time, fans may be curious about the star’s background and her path to appearing on the Channel 4 reality series. Here’s everything to know.

How old is Risdon Roberts?

Risdon is 42 years old and was born in Japan. She is same age as fellow surrogate partner therapist, Andre, who she already knew before the show.

She is usually based in Los Angeles where she works as a surrogate partner therapist and an intimacy expert, also advising for events, film and TV. Her specialism is working with people new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or who are coming out later in life. She herself identifies as a queer woman.

Explaining she she signed up for Season 2, she shared: “I was very impressed with Kat [Slade] on the show and how the show supported her when the work with one of her clients shifted, as that is something that comes up a lot in Surrogate Partner Therapy.

“Seeing Kat’s incredible work on the first season really inspired me to want to participate. Andre and I have been friends and colleagues for years as well, so his positive experience during the first season was a major reason why I signed on.”

She added: “As a queer woman I also appreciated how there was so much room on the show for the cast to explore their divergent identities, attractions, and sexualities. I also really enjoyed the sex education elements of the show because those are some of my favourite parts of the work.”

Why does Risdon Roberts look familiar?

If fans recognise Risdon already, it’s likely due to her background in acting. She started her career in film and TV and trained as an intimacy coordinator before switching to her current career path.

Her first big acting role was in the online web series, Bite Me, in which she starred as a character called Lauren. The show centred around three gamers who try and survive a zombie outbreak using their gaming skills.

According to her IMDB page, her most recent TV work outside of Virgin Island is a 2017 TV mini series titled This Place Is Weird where she is credited as ‘Risdon’ as well as an appearance as ‘Lulu’ in 2023 comedy short, Surprise!

Virgin Island airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 9pm on Channel 4.

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Bake Off host lets slip Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood ‘chemistry’ as filming begins

The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday

A Great British Bake Off star has opened up about Nigella Lawson’s chemistry with Paul Hollywood.

Nigella has taken over from Prue Leith as the latest judge, where she will join Paul, Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding in the tent for the upcoming season that’s set to air later this year.

Alison appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday (May 4), where she spoke to Lorraine Kelly about the new series, which has begun filming.

Lorraine said: “There’s a new judge. How’s that all going? Have you met up?”

Alison replied: “She’s so lovely. Nigella is incredible. Obviously we’ve started, so I’ve been watching.”

She added: “I’m telling you, the chemistry between her and Paul is unbelievable,” before clarifying: “Not in that sort of way!”

A picture of Paul and Nigella was then shown on screen, with Alison saying: “Don’t they look good looking?”

Lorraine jokingly added: “Do you know what, that looks like a crime scene, doesn’t it?!”

Alison continued: “But honestly, they’re so good together! I’ll be honest with you, they don’t always agree – it’s so good,” with Lorraine concluding: “No, that’s fine, and that works.”

Prue Leith announced her exit from the hit competition back in January after nine years. The 85-year-old restaurateur and broadcaster first joined the series in 2017 when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, and has been a beloved fixture on it ever since.

In a statement, she said: “Bake Off has been a fabulous part of my life for nine years. I have genuinely loved it and I’m sure I’ll miss working with my fellow judge Paul, Alison and Noel, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4.”

Speaking about stepping into Prue’s shoes, Nigella said: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now. Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.”

She added: “The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.

“I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”

The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 later this year

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‘Must-watch’ murder mystery perfect for Agatha Christie fans streaming for free

The unique crime drama is perfect for Agatha Christie fans, and is now available to watch for free.

A “must-watch” murder mystery perfect for Agatha Christie fans is now available to watch for free.

This Is Not A Murder Mystery follows a group of young Surrealist artists in the 1930s.

The Belgian English-language crime drama is now available to watch on Channel 4, after first airing last year.

Set in England in a lavish country estate, it sees a collection of famous artists finding themselves trapped with a serial killer.

The cast features Pierre Gervais as Rene Magritte, Inaki Mur as Salvador Dali, Florence Hall as Lee Miller, Frank Rourke as Man Ray and Mike Hoffman as Max Ernst.

The synopsis for This Is Not A Murder Mystery, taken from Magritte’s The Treachery of Images painting, reads: “Crime drama set in the flamboyant 1930s, following a group of young Surrealist artists, including Dali and Magritte, who are trapped in a lavish mansion with a serial killer on the loose.”

Viewers were left gripped by the unique period drama, with one person writing: “This series is a delightful and stylish twist on the classic whodunit. Set in the opulent 1930s with a gathering of legendary surrealist artists, it plays masterfully with suspense and visual flair.” They added: “For anyone looking for an intelligent drama wrapped in atmosphere and intrigue, this series is a must-watch.”

Another person branded it “worth watching” while someone else called it “charming”. When the trailer dropped, fans rushed to share their excitement, with one writing: “This looks *rilly* good, as another said: “This looks fun!”

Someone else said: “I’m so glad Agatha Christie-ish stories has taken ahold of media for now. It’s such a fun genre.”

Another added: “I’ve been itching for another story like this ever since Knives Out came out years ago! And I’m also really excited to see a cast where I don’t recognize anyone I’m sick of Hollywood only casting the same “trendy” actors in roles they’re ill-suited for so this is a nice chance to see other talent shine!”

Producer Kristoffel Mertens and Elly Vervloet previously spoke to Variety about turning their surrealist idea into this drama, with Mertens saying: “It started as the typical cliché idea that goes around in production companies.

“Everyone is very enthusiastic about it, but at the same time we would never be able to make it. Yet for this one, it remained with us and we kept going back to it, so in the end, we thought we could try to at least get it into development. And it turns out that “This is Not a Murder Mystery’ became one of the biggest shows ever made in Flanders.”

It’s definitely the biggest series we have ever done”, Vervloet added.

“We usually commission Flemish series for our local audience, creating a mix of domestic series and high-end TV shows as well.

“But at that level, it becomes a matter of dreaming big, being bold, and daring to make this choice as a public broadcaster to bring this English-spoken series to our audience and beyond.”

This Is Not A Murder Mystery is available to watch on Channel 4.

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Huge TOWIE star is ‘ready to be pushed to her limit’ as she signs up to next series of Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins

AMY Childs has signed up for the next series of Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The former TOWIE star, 35, will appear on the next series of the gruelling Channel 4 show which is expected to air next year.

Amy Childs attends the ITV2 Reality Showcase at White City Place.
Amy Childs has signed up for the new series of Channel 4 show Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins Credit: Getty

A source said: “Amy is ready to be pushed to her limit on the show.

“She wants to prove to herself and her children that she has what it takes.

“Amy has also been working hard with her personal trainer to be physically ready to take on the challenge.”

Earlier this month Amy tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Billy Delbosq at Marylebone Town Hall in London.

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Meanwhile Amy has also faced cruel backlash from trolls online over her drastic weight loss.

She also faced further turmoil last year when her mum Julie was rushed to hospital following a heart attack last year.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, she said: “People don’t know what is going on behind closed doors.

“I’m going through so much at the minute that the weight has fallen off me. I worry about my mum constantly.

“She’s very emotional – she thinks she’s going to have another heart attack.”

The Sun has also revealed that Married At First Sight star Ella Morgan will compete on the military challenge show.

It will be the first time that a famous trans person has competed on Channel 4’s military challenge show, which films its ninth series this summer.

Meanwhile Freddy Brazier is also in talks to compete on the show – following in the footsteps of his dad Jeff Brazier, who starred on the show in 2019.

Former Special Forces big dogs Billy Billingham, Jason Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver will all be on hand to push the stars to their limit.

Series eight, which went out in January, was given a Team UK v Team Australia theme and produced in conjunction with Aussie broadcaster Channel 7.

Seven stars from each country were pitted against each other to find out which of them were capable of completing the course.

Former Love Islanders Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen as well as retired Australian swimmer Emily Seebohm were crowned the winners.

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Scarlett Moffatt lands huge TV deal with ITV following latest I’m A Celeb success

Scarlett Moffatt is reaping the benefits of her popularity during her latest I’m A Celeb stint with her already being offered huge deals thanks to her on-screen success

Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has landed a huge new deal with ITV following her I’m A Celeb success.

The popular TV personality missed out on being part of the I’m a Celebrity South Africa final after she was given the boot from the camp following a Bushtucker Trial that saw her have to count coloured balls. Fans were disappointed to see Scarlett, 35, axed before reaching the finale which ended up being an all-male line-up.

However, the exit has done her no harm with ITV bosses among an array of channels and brands who are keen to work with her following her latest stint. Scarlett said: “I have got something coming up with ITV and I’ve just done a photoshoot in Barcelona.”

She continued to The Sun: “It’s been a whirlwind recently. It feels like the first time I came out of the jungle ten years ago — the same thing is happening again.”

Scarlett was just 25 years old when she was crowned the Queen of the Jungle in 2016, two years after she found fame on Gogglebox. She went on to become a TV presenter in joining Ant and Dec on their hit show Saturday Night Takeaway, before diverting to Channel 4 to reboot Davina McCall ’s dating show Streetmate.

Scarlett also served as a host of I’m a Celeb spin-off Extra Camp. She welcomed her son Jude in June 2023 and took some time away from the world of entertainment, however her fresh stint on the I’m a Celebrity all-stars series has placed her firmly back in the spotlight cementing her popularity with the public.

A source said: “Scarlett might not have reached the final of I’m a Celebrity but she’s shone this series and it’s reminded everyone how funny, kind and brilliant she is. Her diary is packed with offers but she’s thrilled to have a big new project with ITV booked.”

Meanwhile, Scarlett revealed earlier this week that she and fiancé Scott Dobson are now expecting their second child. Speaking at ITV’s Showcase event on Thursday night, she said: “I’m so excited to be pregnant again.

“I didn’t know if it would happen again so I’m so grateful that I get to be a mammy for two. When I first had my little boy Jude, I decided to take two years off. Then I’ve come back into it head first and I’m pregnant again.

“But I don’t know if I’d want to take another two-year break — I love this job. I feel so grateful that I get to call this my career. I hope I’ll do lots of new things.”

The baby news came after viewers saw Scarlett talking about her fertility struggles in heart-wrenching scenes shown on I’m a Celebrity last week.

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Tyler West and Chloe Burrows let slip ‘awkward’ interview with Hollywood legend

The KISS Breakfast radio hosts appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch this weekend

Tyler West and Chloe Burrows made an unexpected admission on Sunday Brunch.

Lorraine presenter Tyler, 30, and Love Island legend Chloe, 30, landed radio host roles on Kiss FM earlier this year, with the pair taking over the Breakfast show from Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely.

Tyler and Chloe made an appearance on the latest episode of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch (April 19), where they spoke to hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer about their radio show.

The pair excitedly spoke about meeting a variety of A-list stars through their new show, including Halle Berry, Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth. Chloe said: “They were so lovely. Everyone’s been really nice.”

Tim then asked: “Who are the rotten ones?” with Tyler issuing a very candid reply.

“Do you know what I’m going to say, I’m not going to say rotten ones. We had a really awkward one, I’m just going to say it, with Ryan Gosling,” he shared.

Chloe added: “Oh god, it was awful! I think he was really jet lagged and we were his first interview of the day, and we are kind of like a massive ball of energy. We’re like punchline, punchline, punchline, and he looked slightly bewildered.”

Tyler said: “He looked so confused. It literally got to the point where we had three minutes left of the interview and [we were] like, ‘Anything you want to chat about?'”

Chloe continued: “He looked for help,” before adding: “He asked us at one point if we’d actually seen the film, so that was good. And we had.”

Tim then noted: “I reckon if you interviewed him tomorrow, he’d be a lovely bloke, do you know what I mean? That’s how it is.”

Following the announcement of his role at KISS, Tyler previously said in a statement: “KISS FAM! The mornings are gonna be unreal! Taking over from my boys Jordan and Perri is huge… but trust me, I’m ready to bring it! It’s time for big laughs and bigger tunes. KISS is where home is – this is your new breakfast show where the door is always open. It’s gonna be carnage!”

Chloe added: “I can’t believe I’m saying this – I’m joining KISS! While I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, stepping into the station that I’ve been a HUGE fan of growing up will feel like being launched into my dream job at 100 miles an hour.

“Being the newbie, I know that working alongside Tyler and a world-class team of producers will give me the perfect introduction. I’m more than ready to bring the laughs and every ounce of energy I’ve got for the KISS Breakfast listeners. I’m buzzing!”

As well as hosting the morning show on KISS, Chloe also recently attended Coachella in California, with the star posting smiling snaps with her best friend Millie Court on social media. They were also joined by Love Island: All Stars winner Samie Elishi, and Sophie Piper.

Sunday Brunch is available to stream on Channel 4, while KISS Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am

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Claudia Winkleman says Strictly ‘deserves’ change as she admits truth behind sad exit

Claudia Winkleman explains it was a very emotional moment when she left Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly last year

They will be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing together. But Claudia Winkleman says she and Tess Daly decided to bow out from the BBC show because they worried about becoming complacent in their roles.

No one ever doubted the pair loved BBC’s ballroom series. But speaking in-depth about their decision to leave, Claudia says she started to see signs that they needed to go ahead with their pact to quit at the same time.

“You want to leave on a high,” says Claudia. “And you want to leave when you are loving it. We were tiny cogs in this huge sparkly, glittery thing. We were tiny as we had props guys holding Eiffel Towers, the amazing band, the dancers, the costume and hair and make-up and everything else and the lighting.

“We thought it was time to leave. Years earlier they said Gloria Estefan was playing in Blackpool and we were like ‘I cant believe it’. I phoned my husband and said ‘I have to practice the Conga’.”

By then end of their run though, even big names and learning new dances were commonplace. She explains: “We thought it was time to leave. You know, not that I was not excited at the end, but both of us were a bit like ‘Oh yeah…cool. Alright, so then I do that…(routine)’.

“It deserves ‘new’ (change). But what shocked me was, we did the last live show. All week was like ‘We are fine’ but I could not stop crying as it has been my entire life. You know sometimes when you decide something like ‘Let’s move house’. Then you pick up the final box. Not that you have done something wrong but it just feels big.”

For Strictly’s launch in 2026, it will be all change in terms of hosts but also with some things still be the same. Claudia and Tess will be together, but snuggled up away from the cameras.

“Tess and I have already planned. We are having jacket potatoes and I am having the salmon. She is coming to ours, her and Vern(husband Vernon Kay). I am not joking. I am going to set her up with a nightie and we are going to watch and support and love it.”

For many years now, pretty much every TV show Claudia Winkleman has touched turned to gold.

Her Strictly Come Dancing stint on the main show for 15 years, hosting The Traitors and now huge spin off hit Celebrity Traitors too, as well as smaller shows like The Piano which won critical acclaim for Channel 4.

For her other major project The Traitors, Claudia says it requires very different skills compared to fronting Strictly, where she says a lot of the credit should go to Tess.

“Tess did all the heavy lifting on Strictly and I am grateful for it. But on Traitors I had to be strict. I was worried about that. I am in life a cheerleader like if my kids fill the dishwasher I am like ‘Lets film it’. So I am a cheerleader and I am able do that on Traitors when they do the missions. I want to feed them chocolate as I am on their side.

“But I have to get a bit strict like when my kids have not done their homework. I love the game so much so that is how I have to be. The producers did tell me to push it.”

Whilst she will continue to front the series, she admits it has made her more thoughtful about lying and deceit in real life.

“Traitors makes me cry. I am not that harsh. I want the traitors to win and the faithful to get them in equal measure. Also it is a lot of money if it is for charity or for them individually.

I have learned a lot of things that I wish I had not. It has made me realise there is no such thing as gut instinct. It is all about what you tell yourself afterwards. And I have learnt you can know the truth but you can persuade people to follow you and that makes me heartbroken. Will I do a children’s version? No.”

After referencing her kids, Claudia, at a charity Q&A event, is asked more about her own family.

She has been married to film producer Kris Thykier since 2000, and they have three children: Jake, Matilda, and Arthur. But there appears to be no risk of nepo babies in the Winkleman household.

With a grin Claudia says: “I told them to nepo up. One wants to work in hospitality, one wants to be a doctor and one wants to be a chemist. I said ‘I can navigate you work experience’ and they were like ‘No thanks mum.’ They are not interested in film (husband’s work) like they say ‘Not unless it comes in a test tube’. So no. That is not what they have asked for.”

Claudia was giving a rare interview to TV director Ben Winston at St John’s Wood Synagogue in London in aid of Lira Winston Fellowships, which focus on identifying and nurturing Jewish school educators

Asked about her thoughts on rising anti semitism, she said: “How do I navigate the industry? The industry itself does not feel anti-Semitic to me. That is my experience. But the growing anti-Semitism and the growing Islamophobia and racism that we see everywhere is really, really terrifying I suppose.

“I don’t want to say terrifying in front of my kids, but it is worrying. And that is why it is so important that we have got to look after each other and people from other communities.”

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