Claudia Winkleman has secured her first major presenting role since departing Strictly Come Dancing in December 2025.
The 54-year-old broadcaster will front the world-famous Channel 4 dog show, Crufts, alongside Clare Balding, just two months after hosting her final episode of the BBC dance competition with long-time co-presenter Tess Daly.
The pair announced their joint departure in October 2025, having presented Strictly together since 2014 when Ms Winkleman stepped in following Sir Bruce Forsyth’s exit.
In their farewell statement, they confirmed: “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.”
The four-day event kicks off on March 5 at Birmingham’s NEC, with coverage spanning both Channel 4 and More4.
Viewers can expect close to 20 hours of live broadcasting throughout the competition, showcasing breed judging, agility trials, flyball and heelwork to music.
The highlight remains the prestigious Best in Show competition, where top dogs will vie for the title won last year by Miuccia, a four-year-old Italian Whippet.
Channel 4 has broadcast Crufts since 2010, with the event organised by The Royal Kennel Club, the UK’s leading organisation for dog health, welfare and training.
Ms Winkleman will be joining Crufts In March
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GETTY
Ms Winkleman, who owns a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Skip, expressed her delight at the appointment.
“I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be,” she said.
“I can’t wait to join this incredible team and I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.”
The former Strictly host’s move to join the Crufts presenting line-up follows an unusual admission she made last year about Skip, revealing that she has put her tongue in his mouth.
Ms Winkleman shared an unusual habit which she does with her dog, Skippy
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CHANNEL 4
During an appearance on Katy Burke’s Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake podcast, Ms Winkleman said: “So I have recently got a dog who I am in love with. I mean, I’m going to bore you till your ears bleed. The two [kids] have left home. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I might steal a baby.
“So instead I got a dog, who I treat like… I mean, I don’t put him in clothes, but I didn’t know, I’d never had a dog before or any form of animal, but this little dog, who I open his mouth and insert my tongue. I do.”
The Traitors star added: “Did you ever see that film There’s Something About Mary, and there’s that old orange lady that goes ‘lalalalala’ with her dog? I was like ‘That is disgusting!’
“It’s me! Turns out that I’m that lady. I’m like ‘How did they know?!’
Born and raised in London, Claudia studied History of Art at Cambridge before launching her media career | BBC
“My husband was like ‘This is too much. Have you had a Bailey’s?’ ‘No, I’ve had a Ribena.’ He was like ‘Step away, away from the dog!'”
Ms Balding offered a warm welcome to her new colleague, stating: “I’m really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team. She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style.”
Pete Andrews, Channel 4’s head of sport, described Crufts as holding “a special place in the hearts of Channel 4 viewers,” adding it was “such a thrill” to welcome Ms Winkleman to the presenting team.
She joins a returning lineup that includes regular reporter Radzi Chinyanganya and Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds, who returns for her second year covering features and interviews at the NEC.
Resident veterinarian Dr Paul Manktelow will provide expert guidance on canine care, while Jim Rosenthal and Frank Kane handle commentary duties.
Beyond Crufts, Ms Winkleman continues to host BBC favourites The Traitors and The Piano, with a new chat show also launching this spring.
