Since 2023, The Traitors has become a major hit for the BBC, with four series featuring 91 contestants to date. Some participants – including Amanda Lovett, Diane Carson, and Linda Rands – became household names thanks to viral moments that captivated the nation. Regardless of where they finished, Winkleman treats all contestants equally and takes an active interest in their lives after filming. She often likes or comments on their social media posts and messages them regularly to see how they are doing.
++ Trump’s peace plan for Gaza offers potential despite flaws
Paul Gorton, a Traitor on the show’s second series, recalled meeting Winkleman at an awards ceremony, which highlighted her genuine care. “Claudia came over and said, ‘How are your kids? I love them,’ and you think, ‘Oh, you’re invested in me. You’re not just a host and then you disappear,’” he told Heat. He added that she is “the funniest, driest person and an extraordinary woman” and praised her upcoming BBC chat show. Winkleman herself said of the chat show launch: “I can’t quite believe it and I’m incredibly grateful to the BBC for this amazing opportunity. I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try.”
++ Donald Trump’s planned peace talks with Vladimir Putin scrapped after Moscow rejects US proposals
The show continues to produce memorable moments. One celebrity edition saw Celia Imrie, 73, apologising after breaking wind from nerves, to which Winkleman replied lightly, refusing to embarrass her: “I know, I always own up too!” The latest civilian series began with a shock twist introducing a secret Traitor, Fiona, whose public spat with a fellow contestant, Rachel, backfired and led to her banishment the following day.
