Claudia Winkleman’s career doubt emerged when the Strictly Come Dancing host feared The Traitors BBC gamble would fail – but the show became one of her greatest successes
Daniel Windham Assistant Editor, Trendswatch
12:17, 28 Apr 2026
Claudia Winkleman has disclosed that she once worried a significant TV opportunity might fail, confessing she told her husband, “I think it’s over,” during a period of uncertainty about the project.
The presenter, best known for hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly, said she had substantial doubts before accepting what would become one of the most successful programmes of her career.
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Looking back on the decision, she told Closer: “Traitors was not supposed to be what it was. I remember phoning my husband and saying, ‘I think it’s over’,” before explaining that she had been encouraged to watch an international version and take a risk.
That leap of faith ultimately proved worthwhile. The UK version of The Traitors, which debuted in 2022, rapidly became a success and has since enjoyed multiple successful seasons, alongside a celebrity spin-off. The programme has played a significant role in solidifying Winkleman’s status as one of the UK’s most popular television personalities.
Despite her achievements, she admitted the experience still leaves her feeling uncomfortable in an unexpected way, saying: “It makes me want to scratch myself, but in a weird way. I am incredibly lucky.”
Away from the reality competition, Winkleman has continued to broaden her career. She recently fronted her own chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, on BBC One. While the programme marked a significant milestone, she acknowledged it received a mixed reception and described the role as “nerve-wracking” and something she initially “didn’t like,” reports the Mirror.
Despite her considerable prominence across British television, Winkleman remains reluctant to embrace the notion of celebrity. She insisted: “I don’t think I’m famous. I take the tube everywhere and I don’t go around singing the Strictly theme tune. I think it is a state of mind.”
Away from the cameras, she shares her life with her husband Kris Thykier and their three children: Jake, 23, Matilda, 19, and Arthur, 14. According to Winkleman, her family remain largely unbothered by her public profile. She joked that while she has encouraged them to embrace “nepo baby” labels, none of them have any interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Claudia and Tess spent 11 years at the helm of Strictly Come Dancing, establishing themselves as one of the show’s most recognisable and enduring presenting duos on Saturday night television.
Winkleman also revealed how she and Tess are planning to cope when the latest series launches on the BBC later this year. “Tess and I have already planned it,” she told Closer. “We’re having jacket potatoes and salmon. She’s coming to ours, she and [husband] Vern. I’m going to set her up with a nightie and we are going to watch and support.”
Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo during a tough time for her family – as the pair celebrate a major milestone
Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo amid a tough time for her family.
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The TV star is about to celebrate a whole year of love with her partner Paolo Margaglione after the pair met on Celebs Go Dating just under 12 months ago. It has been a tough time for Kerry, whose mum is currently in hospital.
Heaping praise on Paolo, she shared: “Paolo is just my safe space. He calms me so much. I can’t express enough what a beautiful soul he is. He’s just the most beautiful, beautiful man. This has been the most amazing year of my life.
“I’ve met Paolo and I’ve worked so hard on myself. I’m in a really good place, but it’s like my body’s got trapped trauma from the past because I’m not in fight or flight. I feel very safe and secure. I can’t believe I met him on a TV show. It’ll be a year in two weeks time.”
She wrote in her new magazine column: “It’s been a really tough week. My mum’s been taken really poorly. She’s got a broken back. Her bones break really easily. I rang to see how she was and the doctor said, ‘Can you come in straight away because she’s coming in and out of consciousness,’ and they didn’t know why.
“It’s been horrendous. They asked me that if the worst happens if I want to resuscitate her? I was in bits. When the doctors are asking those kind of questions, it’s very heavy on your shoulders. I’m all my mum has so it’s not nice seeing her like that.”
Kerry has since shared an update on social media to reveal once her mum came out of consciousness, she found it very difficult as it wasn’t her mum how she knew her.
“I left yesterday, after being there from Wednesday. It takes a toll on you and drains you. It was very hard to watch,” she said, before revealing that her mum is now doing better and she has now come home to her own house.
She said at the time: “As the day went on, I didn’t feel well. I went to the toilet and noticed my face wasn’t right. And Heidi was like, ‘Mum, what’s wrong with your face?’ I started panicking. I discreetly left, went to my hotel and asked to see a doctor. I told the staff, ‘Something’s not right.’”
After needing to take a taxi to hospital, Kerry said: “I got there, and they said, ‘We’re treating this as a stroke,’ so they blue-lit me in an ambulance from St Thomas’ to King’s College Hospital. They were shining lights in my eyes while my face and speech were getting worse. It really, really scared me.”
Locals said they were concerned about potential noise and antisocial behaviour if the plans are approved
Plans have been submitted for a former Halifax bank to become a 24-hour ‘adult gaming centre’. Luxury Leisure submitted an application to Fenland District Council to change the use of a bank on Wisbech’s Market Place into an entertainment centre.
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The building at 28 Market Place is currently a former Halifax bank premises which closed in January 2025. The application is to establish the change of use with the adult gaming centre operating on the ground floor level.
A covering letter states: “Internally, there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under 18’s [sic] and has an impact on amenity. Unlike an ‘amusement arcade’ which is noisy to attract passing customers of all ages, there is statutory obligation to exclude under 18’s from AGC’s.”
The proposed 24-hour use plans to ensure footfall to the town centre operating seven days a week. Luxury Leisure say they have never had a licence reviewed or revoked and are a “socially responsible national multiple operate with an excellent covenant”.
Comments on the Fenland District Council planning portal expressed concerns about the entertainment centre including a potential rise in antisocial behaviour. One resident wrote: “The potential for increased noise from patrons entering and leaving late at night, combined with the ‘clustering’ effect of similar venues nearby, could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.”
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They added: “The Market Place is a primary thoroughfare for families and students. Placing a gambling venue in such a high-traffic area for minors is socially irresponsible.”
“Wisbech already possesses several gambling and betting establishments. Granting another license creates an over-concentration of these uses, leading to a ‘tipping point’ where the town centre feels dominated by gambling rather than sustainable retail or community-focused businesses,” the comment continued.
“There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such use”, the applicant said.
Councillor Steve Tierney said he believed the proposed entertainment centre posed “serious consequences for addicts” and possible “noise and nuisance”.
The holders are back in the semi-finals after a 4-0 aggregate victory over Liverpool in the last eight.
They also came through more Premier League opposition in the round of 16, swatting Chelsea aside in an 8-2 drubbing over the two legs.
As for Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, they battered Atalanta in the first knockout round before squeaking past Real Madrid in a rollercoaster second leg at the Allianz Arena last time out.
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Luis Diaz and Michael Olise scored late on to send the Bundesliga champions through after Arda Guler’s double and Kylian Mbappe putting Madrid in the driving seat after a 2-1 home defeat in the reverse fixture.
Date, kick-off time and venue
PSG vs Bayern Munich is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Tuesday, April 28 2026.
The match will take place at the Parc des Princes.
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Where to watch PSG vs Bayern Munich
TV channel and live stream: The game will be shown on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting at 7pm.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
PSG vs Bayern Munich team news
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Paris will have Vitinha available to them after the Portuguese recovered from a heel injury.
Quentin Djantou is definitely out with a hamstring problem.
As for Bayern, Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl are their two immediate injury concerns.
The pair are both sidelined with respective muscle tears, with Karl out with a thigh problem and Bischof, who has played much of this campaign at left-back, sat out with a calf issue.
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Serge Gnabry has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury.
PSG vs Bayern Munich prediction
This will be an affair with all the focus going onto the two final thirds.
There will be goals, but who can ship the least?
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Both sides are joint top of the tournament goalscoring table, with 38 goals apiece in Europe’s premier competition.
Kylian Mbappe has the most goals in the Champions League this term with 15, but with Real Madrid out, the onus is now on the second top goalscorer, Harry Kane, to score the goals that will fire Bayern to European glory.
Riley, 13, was last seen in the Regent Court area of Gateshead town centre at about 3pm on Tuesday, April 21.
He was last in touch with his family on Friday, April 24.
Extensive enquiries have been ongoing by Northumbria Police to locate him.
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The 13-year-old is known to frequent the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham and the Stockton area of Teesside.
Riley is described as a white boy, 5ft 6in tall and of slim build with mousy brown short hair.
He wears glasses and is believed to be wearing a grey Berghaus jacket, black pants and black trainers.
Anyone who knows where Riley is should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website.
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For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260421-0796.
A hearing found that the officer committed gross misconduct
A police officer has been given a final written warning after a misconduct hearing. The officer, referred to as PC A, faced three allegations and was found to have committed gross misconduct by a misconduct panel.
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On June 13, 2024, the officer is alleged to have recorded body worn footage onto their phone, showed it to a witness, and tried to show the video while in a pub.
Between January 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, the officer allegedly gave information and details about an investigation involving a child. Both of these allegations were found to be proven at the misconduct hearing.
It was also alleged that between February 1, 2024 and October 18, 2024, the officer recorded body worn video onto their phone and showed the footage to a witness. The panel was not satisfied with the evidence and found this allegation was not proven.
The panel determined that the officer acted contrary to orders and instructions, processed and/or disclosed information otherwise than in accordance with a proper policing purpose, and acted in a manner likely to bring discredit upon the police service.
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The officer’s hearing concluded that they be given a final written warning to last three years. This decision was made considering the seriousness of the conduct, the circumstances that gave rise to the misconduct, the public interest, and the mitigation offered by the officer including previous record of conduct.
Smiling at a press event after retirement, Coleman reflects on years at the heart of Washington’s defence (Picture: Getty Images)
NFL legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, two of his former teams have confirmed.
Tributes began to emerge on Sunday, with both Washington and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions leading the way with the kind words. No cause of death has been announced as yet.
Coleman was a central figure in Washington’s most successful ever era, playing his part in three Super Bowl-winning teams. Across 16 seasons, the 6’2″ player became one of the most dependable names on any NFL team sheet.
His back door route into the NFL didn’t quite hint at what was coming for the man. Washington selected him in the 11th round of the 1979 Draft with the 289th overall pick.
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Players taken that late don’t usually hang around in the sport for long, let alone go on to define an era. Coleman did both. He stayed with Washington for his entire 16 year career and became a mainstay in their defence. His consistency helped underpin those three title-winning sides.
Monte Coleman in Washington colours during his playing days having built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable linebackers (Picture: Getty Images)
Coleman made more than 200 appearances for Washington during that spell. giving the team a level of stability that stretched across more than a decade.
Recognition followed long after he stepped away. In 2015, Coleman was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame. It cemented his place among the franchise’s most important ever figures.
The Commanders (who were – rather controversially – known as the ‘Redskins’ during Coleman’s playing career) paid tribute shortly after news broke. ‘We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman,’ the team posted on X. ‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones’.
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A typically committed tackle as Coleman brings down a Raiders runner during his time in Washington (Picture: Getty Images)
Managing partner Josh Harris expanded on that message, chipping in personally to pay his respects, saying: ‘Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history. He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.’
‘Monte played all 16 seasons in Washington and ranks second in games played and fourth in sacks all-time earning him a place in the Washington Ring of Fame. Named the Washingtonian of the Year in 1996, Monte made a major impact in our community with his philanthropic work and community service.’
Harris finished his tribute with something of a personal note: ‘Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.’
Leaping into action during a game, Coleman shows the athleticism that defined his illustrious career (Picture: Getty Images)
Before joining the National Football League, Coleman had already made his mark locally. He stood out at Pine Bluff High School before moving on to the University of Central Arkansas. By the time he reached the draft, he’d built a strong foundation to launch a career in the sport.
He stepped away from playing in 1994. Football didn’t stay away from him for long though, even if there was a gap before his almost inevitable return. In 2003, he re-joined his hometown side Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a linebackers coach.
Within three years, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. His influence within the programme grew quickly.
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In 2008, Coleman became head coach. He remained in the role for a decade and led the team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012. It was the standout achievement of his coaching career.
Taking a breather on the sidelines, Coleman pauses after yet another bruising outing in a long Washington career (Picture: Getty Images)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff also confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. The university described him as a ‘revered leader whose impact on the game of football and countless lives will be felt for generations.’
The statement also reflected on his wider contribution to their setup. Coleman was called a ‘cornerstone of excellence both on and off the field’ who ‘leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, leadership, and championship success.’
‘Beyond wins and accolades, Coleman was a mentor, father figure, and role model to his student-athletes, instilling values that extended far beyond the game,’ the statement went on. ‘His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who wore the Golden Lion uniform.’
Ball in hand, Coleman charges forward in a rare attacking moment during his time in the NFL (Picture: Getty Images)
The football legend’s old university side also ended their message with support for Monte’s grieving relative: ‘The UAPB family extends its deepest condolences to the Coleman family, former players, colleagues, and all who were impacted by his extraordinary life and career.’
Funeral details have not yet been confirmed. The school said information on memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
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Former players have also been sharing their memories of the man. Gabe McDonald, who played under Coleman, posted photos of them together on X. His tribute focused on the opportunity he was given…
‘Only coach that believed in me and gave me the chance to live out my dream of playing D1 ball, an opportunity I’m forever grateful for,’ he wrote. ‘Fly high, Coach Coleman. You’ll be truly missed’.
The NFL icon won the Super Bowl a full three times in his long and storied career in the sport (Picture: Getty Images)
Chris Robinson, UAPB’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, highlighted the same theme. ‘Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,’ he said.
‘His legacy is not only written in championships and honours, but in the lives he changed every single day.’
My kids tell me this is the BEST toad in the hole ever. They preferred it with cheddar sprinkled over the top rather than Stilton, but you could use either, or indeed any similar cheese (just not Parmesan types, that’s too hard).
You can make this in a roasting tin or ovenproof pan, and serve at the table straight from the vessel. Choose good-quality sausages for the best result.
The fashion firm is currently based in the Cleveland Centre but has appeared on plans for the neighbouring Hillstreet Shopping Centre.
Floor plans show the JD logo placed on a 15,714 square foot unit next door to Boots and opposite Primark – with the shopping centre website also naming it as an “anchor retailer”.
JD Sports declined to comment when contacted by The Northern Echo about the potential relocation.
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If it goes ahead, this would mark the second retailer to move from the Cleveland Centre to the Hillstreet Centre in recent months, following the footsteps of Boots.
The firm said the new location would provide an “elevated shopping experience and an extended range of health, wellness and beauty essentials”.
Discount retailer B&M also recently returned to Middlesbrough town centre in the form of a new store at the Hillstreet Centre in February.
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JD Sports continues to operate a number of other sites in the North East including at the Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington, Bishop Auckland Retail Park, and Cleveland Retail Park.
The schmaltzy football dramedy returns this August, with Jason Sudeikis and his handlebar moustache back as the eponymous Ted, who returns to Blighty to coach the Greyhound women’s team.
The teaser is the first look at what this upheaval in the show’s premise will look like, with the Richmond FC locker-room of men, including fan favourites like Jamie Tartt, swapped out for a new cast of women players.
The teaser is set to the folksy tune of Marcus Mumford’s vocals, which is no surprise given the Mumford and Sons frontman croons over the show’s title sequence.
Given it’s a teaser rather than a fully-fledged trailer, the one-minute clip is mostly vibes-based, but shows that the faces of the first three seasons of Ted Lasso are likely in store for more of the show’s earnest brand of good feeling.
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All the main cast is there: Hannah Waddingham as club owner Rebecca, Brett Goldstein as the gruffly-spoken Roy Kent, Juno Temple as his maybe other half Keeley and Jeremy Swift as the inimitable Leslie.
Jason Sudeikis and his handlebar moustache are back as Ted Lasso (Picture: Apple TV)
The schmaltzy football dramedy returns this August (Picture: Apple TV)
The trio of Richmond’s pint-sinking number one fans give a round of applause at a maybe-press conference.
The women’s team lines up and runs for a series on drills on the pitch, with newcomer Tanya Reynolds on board as a coach alongside Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt). Rebecca and Ted’s (recast) son Henry cheer on Richmond from the heavily merchandised stands.
Having returned from the US, we see Ted walking from the quaint streets of Richmond, where he’s approached by a fan (wearing his Richmond scarf, which seems to be locally mandated attire in those parts).
‘Welcome back coach,’ says the fan. ‘Too bad you’re coaching a bunch of girls.’ Oof! Looks like we’re tackling sexism this season. The eternal optimist Ted doesn’t look fazed.
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It’s the incredibly charming Dutch boat guy! Good for you, Rebecca! (Picture: Apple TV)
In one scene from the teaser, Ted and Coach Beard attend what looks like some postdramatic theatre (Picture: Apple TV)
How will this season follow on from season 3?
Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take…
Ted Lasso purists won’t want to hear this, but the last time this show was on the air, it was dreadful.
I, like many, found Ted Lasso in the midst of a manic pandemic state. It was like discovering a sweet, better place I could leave my house to travel to.
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But by the third season, it was bloated with too many storylines, preachy with its need to tell us all how to live our lives and did a huge disservice to favs like Keeley.
The show had outstayed its wholesome welcome and seemed to know it. Ted was sent packing back to the US like he needed a time-out.
But now this jewel in the Apple TV mantle returns with what seems to be renewed focus and, better yet, new ideas.
Ted has been freed from the US (I can’t imagine his brand of niceness fits in over there anymore) and returns to Richmond to take on what has been touted as his ‘biggest challenge yet’: coaching a second division women’s football team.
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(The men’s team weren’t easy to turn into a winning side, but okay.)
The official synopsis reads: ‘Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.’
We haven’t got a load to go on with just a teaser, but a huge shake-up of the cast and focus is encouraging.
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This is huge news: Rebecca is seen kissing the incredibly charming Dutch boat guy, who she spent a magical evening with while the team played away in Amsterdam. Hurrah!
Roy, sat next to Keeley in an SUV, smashes through the skylight window with a (checks notes) black stiletto. Okay… Ted laughs with a maybe-love interest. Rebecca has herself a drink. Ted and Coach Beard attend what looks like some postdramatic theatre. The score swells.
And last of all, Ted sits in Rebecca’s office with Leslie and Keeley (can’t see any biscuits in sight) and delivers a string of acronyms, while still managing to say ‘pretty please’.
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As for the nitty-gritty of how all of this folds together, we’ll have to wait for a full trailer.
Ted Lasso season 4 will be available to stream on Apple TV from August 5.
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