Claudia Winkleman quits chat show despite plans for a second series

Claudia Winkleman’s new chat show was poised to get a second series but The Traitors star has said it’s all too much right now.

The BBC series first hit screens in March, with guests like Rachel Zegler, James McAvoy, and Niall Horan gracing her sofa to mixed reviews from audiences and critics.

While some argued that the former Strictly presenter ‘slid into the background’, the viewing figures went up 50% once it landed on iPlayer.

‘I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for giving me the opportunity, to the guests who agreed to come and chat to me, and the production team who were simply excellent,’ Claudia said in a statement.

The launch episode had 2.5million views in the first seven days, in comparison to flagship chat show Graham Norton, which received 2.3million in the most recent series.

However, it seems Claudia has made the decision to leave the show for now.

She continued: ‘Sometimes you have to try something to see how it fits, and I realised I was just too nervous to enjoy it.

‘Maybe one day I will give it another try, but for now I already have the best jobs in the world and absolutely love the shows I’m doing.’

A TV insider had previously said the BBC were happy to go ahead with the chat show as long as Claudia wanted to.

The source told The Sun: ‘It’s understood that Beeb chiefs are poised to rubber stamp another series — if that’s what Claudia wants.’

Ed Havard, Director of Entertainment at the BBC said: ‘Claudia’s warmth and quick wit made The Claudia Winkleman Show an absolute joy. Whilst we loved the show, we fully respect her decision and would like to thank Claudia and the brilliant team at So Television for bringing the series to screen on the BBC.

‘As the host of the country’s most-watched show, Claudia will be back on the BBC very soon when The Celebrity Traitors returns later this year, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for the new band of celebs.’