Claudia Winkleman

Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu opened up about his time on the show and whether he plans to return, following the recent exits of several of his co-stars

Carlos Gu has opened up about his future on Strictly Come Dancing amid a shake-up to the line-up. Since joining the show in 2022, the professional dancer has performed with three celebrity partners; Molly Rainford, Angela Scanlon and Karen Carney, who he lifted the Glitterball trophy with last year.

Reflecting on his transition from the competitive dance industry to television, he claimed it was “a completely different world” to what he’s been used to for the last 20 years.

Before Strictly, Carlos competed professional with Susan Sun, winning multiple competitions as a well-known duo.

Discussing the industry, the 33-year-old described it as “very challenging and hard”, but also “unstable” as he shed light on the realities of being a dancer.

“It doesn’t matter how hard you work or how good you are, you are the one always being judged and being chosen, your results are always unstable. You never know, today might be good but tomorrow might not,” he explained.

“We worked so hard for 20 years and we made our way there and everybody knows us, we come out, everyone knows Carlos and Susan.”

Reflecting on himself joining Strictly and not being given a celebrity partner in his first year, he added: “Then joining Strictly and not being given a partner made me realise I’m going back again to being chosen, because to have a partner or to not have a partner is out of my control, it doesn’t base on how good I am or how hard I am working, it’s not, it’s purely out of your control.

“I never worked in the TV world, it’s a completely different world,” he added.

Asked by Kate Thornton on her White Wine Question Time podcast about his future on the show, Carlos admitted he was yet to know if he will be returning.

Addressing the news of some of his co-stars leaving the show, he said: “I know we’ve heard, we’ve all seen the news but nothing confirmed by the BBC yet, so we’re waiting. I think they’re going to make the final announcement for all the cast.

“But like I said, being in a position not knowing if you’re going to stay or not is scary. We work so hard in our lives, but those things are out of your hands.”

So far, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova have been given the boot from the show. Karen was the longest-standing female professional, who was a part of the show for 14 years.

In a statement announcing her exit, she told fans it was “the right time to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas I’m passionate about”.

This comes after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped away from their hosting duties after 11 years together on the main show.

Following her huge success on The Traitors, Claudia Winkleman started her own chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, but it’s future is uncertain after it received a cool reception

Claudia Winkleman‘s new chat show is facing an uncertain future amid low viewing figures and little reaction from social media. The show has only aired three episodes, but a source has said the highly anticipated series has not reached the heights the BBC may have hoped, causing a stir behind the scenes.

The Claudia Winkleman Show began on 13 March, where the star was joined by Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders and Tom Allen. The show follows Claudia’s huge success as the host of The Traitors, which catapulted her into being one of the most sought-after presenters in the UK. It also comes after she and Tess Daly decided to step down as the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing after over 20 years at the show.

READ MORE: Miranda Hart ‘in secret talks with BBC’ to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come DancingREAD MORE: Huge BBC host lined up for next series of Celebrity Traitors

Talking to the Daily Mail, a source explained how The Claudia Winkleman Show failed to rank among the most watched programmes on the BBC and has had little reaction on social media, making the chances of a second series slimmer.

“You’d think it would be guaranteed for a second series at the end of this run,” the source said. “It probably will get one, but the chatter is that it may not be such a certain prospect.”

They added that everyone at the BBC was “excited” about the show but that while usually “everything she touches turns to gold” but this time, “it simply isn’t the case here”. They pointed out that Claudia was “the star” of both The Traitors and Strictly, making the cold reaction to her new show would be “new territory” for her.

The Claudia Winkleman Show is currently midway through its initial run and is due to run for six weeks. It airs in the same slot that The Graham Norton Show, which is created by the same company as Claudia’s chat show, ordinarily occupies.

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The source told the Daily Mail that one of the reasons Claudia’s show has not matched the heights of Graham’s may be because of the guests she’s had on. While Graham’s red sofa has attracted the likes of Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, Madonna and Paul McCartney, Claudia’s show has so far featured less well-known faces, such as Niall Horan, Rachel Zegler and Guz Khan.

Next week, Claudia will be joined by James McAvoy, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Rita Wilson and Russell Howard. Actor James has appeared on The Graham Norton Show multiple times, and Gugu was on the show a year ago. Russell Howard has been on the show as well, but Rita Wilson has not.

The BBC and Claudia Winkleman’s representatives were contacted for comment.

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It’s not the first time the comedian has spoken out about his friendship with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, after fans raised the same question

Amanda Holden‘s co-star and friend Alan Carr has set the record straight about their on-screen chemistry. The duo front a BBC travel series, in which they help renovate properties across Greece, Italy, and Spain. Along with their hard work, viewers have warmed to the pair’s humorous ways and heartfelt conversations – including a recent sad discussion about Amanda’s stillborn son Theo.

Joining Alan on the latest edition of his podcast, Life Is A Beach, Bob Mortimer discussed what it was like working with his co-star Paul Whitehouse on their series Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

After admitting that they couldn’t present in a traditional way, he said the duo decided to take a more natural approach – one that has worked well over the years. “They just like it when we’re chatting,” he told Alan, to which he agreed.

“Yes, that’s true – it’s the chemistry people want, and you can’t fake that,” he went on to say.

Alan added that he’s often asked whether he genuinely likes Amanda, despite their obvious camaraderie on TV. “I mean, people go, ‘Do you really like Amanda?’ I couldn’t be in 40-degree heat in Greece knocking down a partition wall with someone I hate.

“Why would I sign up for that? You have to actually like the person, more than like, you have to really go, ‘Oh hello Amanda, right let’s have a laugh, what have you been up to?’ And I think you can’t actually fake that,” he clarified.

This isn’t the first time Alan has addressed questions about their friendship. On a previous episode of the show, Amanda was surprised that fans had doubted their chemistry.

Alan joked that viewers often comment on her distinctive laugh and ask how he “puts up” with it, to which she quipped: “This is an outrage!”.

Clarifying any lingering doubts, Alan added: “No, no, no. We couldn’t do this job if we didn’t like each other – it would be hell.” Amanda added: “There’s not a single other person I could do it with,” to which he replied: “No, it would have to be you.”

While the pair have enjoyed a successful run on the BBC show, they recently snubbed the idea of presenting Strictly Come Dancing together.

Amid speculation that they might replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Amanda confirmed on her Heart Radio Breakfast Show with Jamie Theakston: “I want to say now that me and Alan are 100 per cent not doing Strictly. We’re so flattered to be in that mix, but we both are not doing it.”

Speaking to The Daily Mail, the Britain’s Got Talent judge insisted she also wouldn’t be able to fit the role into her already busy schedule juggling family life and her career.

“You see, I am already part of a big show, and I’ll happily carry on watching Strictly from the comfort of my lounge, but it takes up too many weekends, I’ve got to remember that I have children and a husband,” she revealed.

“But I just hope that they still have two females doing it, that’s my big thing. They need somebody super funny, and somebody that you wouldn’t expect.”

Putting forward who she believes could be good for the positions, she suggested The One Show’s Alex Jones, BBC Radio star Zoe Ball and comedians Katherine Ryan and Daisy May Cooper.

The first instalment of The Claudia Winkleman show had fans rushing to social media to vent their opinions as the former Strictly host spoke to a star-studded guest list

Claudia Winkleman has fronted her new show and fans are immediately having their say. The star of The Traitors and formerly of Strictly Come Dancing is now sharing Graham Norton’s Friday evening talk slot as she entertains on her own brand new series.

It marks Claudia’s first new solo gig since she and co-host Tess Daly stepped down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing. And The Traitors star admitted the new venture as “really scary” as she readied herself to speak to a star-studded line-up of famous faces from the world of TV, music, and more.

The aptly named The Claudia Winkleman Show, is filmed in front of a live studio audience and the presenter said before the show she is “going to be awful”. And fans were quick to share whether they agreed with her statement as they rushed to Twitter /X during the first instalment.

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One viewer sighed: “So Television is Graham Norton’s production company, they also produce The Claudia Winkleman Show which is why, despite a set change, the format is identical. A shame nothing different was attempted with this chat show!”

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Another complained: “The Claudia Winkleman Show is just the Graham Norton Show without Graham Norton.” And a third said: “This is just not working the Claudia Winkleman show is dull as the dark teal sofa.”

However, others were appreciating the new show – including guest Tom Allen, who ssaid it was a great show. On Instagram he said: “It was FABULOUS to be part of!”

And a X user also seemed to enjoy the set up. “First thoughts about The Claudia Winkleman Show, not that much different from The Graham Norton Show really but I love her anyway,” they said. Another added: “The Claudia Winkleman Show gets four stars. . . .A welcome contrast to the Graham Norton Show, which is a very, very out-of-step production.”

The opening instalment of Claudia Winkleman’ s new chat show sees Jennifer Saunders confess that she and Dawn French once made plan to take ecstasy together – but were thwarted.

Jennifer, who appeared on the show to promoted her new film The Magic Faraway Tree, revealed: “Dawn and I once thought we’d be really daring, and we got an ecstasy tablet. We thought one day when we’re alone – we could take half an ecstasy tablet. We kept it on Dawn’s mantlepiece and one day, about six months later, we thought ‘OK, we’re ready’.”

Before the show aired, Claudia had 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.”

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A Strictly pro who joined the show in 2022 has shared two words that sum up their thoughts on former host Claudia Winkleman, who announced her departure last year

A professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing has shared two words that sum up their thoughts on former host Claudia Winkleman. A Chinese Strictly pro who joined the show in 2022 and lifted the Glitterball trophy with former Lioness Karen Carney last year, Carlos Gu was recently quizzed about whether he’d like to step into Claudia and Tess Daly’s shoes.

In October last year, the duo shocked fans by announcing they would be stepping away from their joint presenting duties on the BBC programme, sparking widespread speculation about their replacements.

Carlos doesn’t seem eager to throw his hat into the ring, though, noting that he doesn’t believe he could “ever be a presenter,” but he did have some kind things to say about the former hosts.

In a recent interview, Carlos was asked if he would like to take over from Claudia and Tess, to which he replied that he “didn’t see this coming” and that he loves them both.

He told Best Magazine’s Suddenly Single podcast: “I love Claudia and Tess. I love both of them. They are just iconic and obsessed about Claudia, too, personally. I love her.”

It was then suggested that Claudia was “kooky,” to which Carlos responded: “Very witty, very cool.” And, when it was claimed that the Traitors star “doesn’t like looking in the mirror,” he added that she knows her “value.”

Carlos continued: “No, it’s just, oh, she’s a woman who knows her value, and she knows everything about herself, and she’s so confident with it, which is so powerful. Like, Tess is, too, you know.”

In response to the original question, the dancer explained that he was a “born performer” and would “die on stage,” but doesn’t think he could “ever be a presenter.”

At the time of their announcement, Claudia and Tess shared a message on Instagram that reflected on their time on the show, noting that they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.”

It represents the end of a remarkable 21-year journey for Tess, who, in addition to Claudia, also revealed that they were “always going to leave together” and that they felt it was the “right time.”

Speaking on Instagram, Tess shared: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…

“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”

Claudia Winkleman will be joined by a star-studded line-up on her BBC chat show

Claudia Winkleman is set to make an appearance on our TV screens in just a few hours alongside a star-studded line-up of famous faces from the world of TV, music and more.

It was announced last year that the TV presenter would front her own chat show, titled The Claudia Winkleman Show, which will be filmed in front of a live studio audience.

“I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity,” The 54-year-old said in a statement . “I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”

This marks Claudia’s first new solo gig since she and co-host Tess Daly stepped down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing, with The Traitors star describing her new venture as “really scary”.

Ahead of the show’s debut, here’s everything you need to know about the famous faces set to appear on the first episode of the BBC show.

Who is on The Claudia Winkleman Show tonight?

Among the many guests set to join Claudia on her new chat show is Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, who will talk about his new album, Night Blooms, from his band The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

Elsewhere Vanessa Williams will also make an appearance to discuss her turn in The Devil Wears Prada on the West End. As well as Jennifer Saunders, who is promoting her new family film, The Magic Faraway Tree.

Rounding off the celebrity line-up is Tom Allen, who will be chatting about his debut novel, Common Decency.

Sharing the news with fans, ITV took to their official Instagram and shared a first look snap of Claudia with her star-studded guest line-up.

Alongside the photo they confirmed: “The Claudia Winkleman Show lands this Friday. Joining Claudia this week: Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Saunders, Vanessa Williams and Tom Allen. Big personalities, big laughs and plenty to talk about. Tune in at 10:40pm on BBC One. Co-Produced by So TV, part of ITV Studios and Little Owl.”

It didn’t take long for the comment section to be flooded with messages from fans as one said: “So excited. Love how @claudiawinkle represents the power of women, authentic, witty, unapologetically herself and lifting the whole room with her presence. Claudia quietly reminds the rest of us to take up our space.”

Another wrote: “So looking forward to this, it is going to be amazing.” A third commented: “This is going to start the weekend with style….and a fringe!! Can’t wait!!”

One commented: “This is so exciting. Can’t wait. Good luck Claudia.” One said: “Can’t wait for this @claudiawinkle.” Another excited fan wrote: “WHAT A LINE UP.”

The Claudia Winkleman Show begins tonight (March 13) at 10:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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