In a move that has left fans both excited and reflective, Claudia Winkleman has officially turned the page on her Strictly Come Dancing chapter, stepping into a brand-new role that’s as heartwarming as it is unexpected. But here’s where it gets intriguing: just two months after bidding farewell to the BBC dance floor alongside Tess Daly, the 54-year-old broadcaster is set to charm audiences once again—this time, as the new face of the world-renowned dog show, Crufts. And this is the part most people miss: her transition from glitterballs to wagging tails isn’t just a career shift; it’s a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal.
Winkleman’s journey with Strictly began in 2014 when she joined Tess Daly following Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure. Together, they became an iconic duo, steering the show through 11 glittering seasons. In October 2025, they announced their joint exit, stating, ‘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.’ Their final episode in December marked the end of an era, leaving fans nostalgic yet eager to see what’s next.
Enter Crufts, the four-day canine extravaganza kicking off on March 5 at Birmingham’s NEC. With nearly 20 hours of live coverage across Channel 4 and More4, the event promises everything from breed judging and agility trials to the crowd-favorite Best in Show competition. Last year’s winner, Miuccia, a graceful Italian Whippet, set the bar high, but this year’s contenders are ready to steal the spotlight. Winkleman, a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast who shares her life with a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Skip, couldn’t be more thrilled. ‘I absolutely love dogs, and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be,’ she gushed, adding with a playful twist, ‘I have a pocket rammed with treats.’
But here’s the controversial bit: Winkleman’s love for Skip goes beyond the typical owner-pet bond. During a candid podcast appearance last year, she admitted to—wait for it—putting her tongue in Skip’s mouth. Yes, you read that right. Drawing parallels to the infamous dog-kissing scene in There’s Something About Mary, she quipped, ‘Turns out I’m that lady. How did they know?!’ While some might find it quirky, others might raise an eyebrow. What do you think? Is it a harmless display of affection or a step too far? Let’s debate in the comments!
Joining Winkleman at Crufts is Clare Balding, who warmly welcomed her new co-presenter, praising her ‘fantastic addition to the team’ and ‘intelligent curiosity.’ Channel 4’s head of sport, Pete Andrews, echoed the sentiment, calling Winkleman’s inclusion ‘a thrill’ for viewers. The lineup also features returning favorites like Radzi Chinyanganya, Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds, and resident vet Dr. Paul Manktelow, ensuring a blend of expertise and entertainment.
Beyond Crufts, Winkleman’s schedule is packed. She continues to host BBC hits The Traitors and The Piano, with a new chat show launching this spring. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres—from drama-filled reality TV to the wholesome world of dog shows—is a testament to her talent and charisma.
So, here’s the question: As Claudia Winkleman embarks on this new chapter, will her unique blend of humor, warmth, and unapologetic quirkiness make her the perfect Crufts host? Or is this a surprising mismatch? Share your thoughts below—we’re all ears (and tails)!
