04 November 2023 , 18:00
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Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman has a very famous family, who have achieved huge acclaim in their own right.
The heavy-fringed TV presenter, 50, hails from London's Hampstead with her parents divorcing when she was three. Claudia went to study at the prestigious City of London School for Girls, followed by New Hall college in Cambridge, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Art History.
She landed her first major TV job in 2001, on regional discussion programme Central Weekend. But her small screen career really skyrocketed when she was scouted to host Strictly spin-off It Takes Two.
After impressing BBC bosses and viewers with her quirky charm and wit, Claudia found herself bumped up to the main show after veteran presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth stepped down and has hosted with now-close pal Tess Daly ever since.
It was on Strictly that Claudia and her trademark wit, eyeliner and glossy fringe became a Saturday night staple.
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Claudia is a Strictly fan favourite after moving from It Takes Two to the main Saturday night show (BBC / Guy Levy)
Claudia's father Barry Winkleman remarried after splitting from her mother (Jabpromotions/REX/Shutterstock)Strictly has been riding high in the Autumn TV schedule for over 20 years, and Claudia found another success last year when she was drafted in as the host of tense, psychological reality show The Traitors when it made its debut on BBC One.
But what do we know about Claudia's life away from her TV achievements?
Claudia's parents - mum Eve Pollard and dad Barry Winkleman - could well be her inspiration for carving out a career in the media, as they were both journalists who mixed in elite circles.
Her mum Eve, 79, worked at titles including Honey Magazine, the Daily Mirror, Elle Magazine and the News of the World. while Claudia's father Barry, 84, was a successful book publisher.
Claudia seen without her trademark fringe on an early TV job in 1995 (John Minihan/Evening Standard/REX/Shutterstock)
Claudia appears on TV back in 1996 (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Speaking about Claudia's own glittering career, Eve told the Sunday Times in 2018, that Claudia was far from a 'nepo child' despite her background. She said: "Numerous mothers and fathers have had a famous child. But Claudia’s fame is so astonishing because it has crept up slowly and not one bit of it was planned. She doesn’t feel famous. If you think you’ve seen her on the Tube, you probably have".
While Claudia has no full siblings as her parents split when she was three years old, she gained several step-siblings when her parents remarried.
Claudia and her mum Eve Pollard share a close bond (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Women in Film and TV)Mum Eve married again to the former editor of the Daily Express, Nicholas Lloyd, while her father also remarried to children's author Cindy Black. Claudia gained a younger half-brother called Oliver, through her mum's second marriage.
She also gained a half-sister, Sophie Winkleman - who later became an actress - through her father's second marriage. Famous in her own right, Sophie landed the role as Big Suze in Channel 4 comedy Peep Show.
Claudia's sister Sophie Winkleman starred in Peep Show alongside Robert Webb - who appeared on Strictly 2021 (Channel 4)She starred as the ultra posh girlfriend of Jeremy Usbourne, played by Robert Webb - who was a contestant on this year's Strictly before having to withdraw. Sophie also starred alongside Ashton Kutcher in the US sitcom Two and a Half Men.
Since then, Sophie has become a Lady after marrying marry Lord Freddie Windsor - the son of the Queen's first cousin Prince Michael of Kent.
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In 2000 Claudia tied the knot to talented film producer Kris Thykier. Far from throwing a huge showbiz wedding, the pair decided to marry in secret after meeting through mutual friends in the 90s.
Lady Sophie Windsor and Prince Harry arrive at the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston at Windsor Castle in 2019 (PA)
Lady Sophia Winkleman and Lord Frederick Windsor pose at a charity event in 2015 (Getty Images North America)Kris has worked on numerous blockbuster films and successful television shows such as Kick-Ass, The Woman in Gold and Sky Atlantic's Riviera.
They now share three children together - Jake, Matilda, and Arthur. "Children were a slight obsession of mine from quite early on," Claudia previously admitted.
While upholding traditional family values, Claudia admitted she never wanted to depend on a man to help out her financially. She said: "I certainly had aspirations to earn my own money and not have to rely on a man. My mum and dad instilled that in me from a very early age. But I didn’t know how I was going to do it," she told Red magazine.
Claudia and her hubby Kris Thykier attend the World Premiere of No Time To Die (Dave Benett/Getty Images)"I thought I was going to write, or work in art. I never thought I would end up standing in a room and reading out loud!"
The TV star also revealed she is happy to shout about her incredible achievements with her pals. "Weirdly, I don’t minimise my achievements when it comes to friendships. I’m proud of those, I've got the best group of girls," she said.
"And I’m proud that all my kids went to school today with the right bag, and the right snacks – Twiglets, in case you’re wondering."