Claudia Winkleman, the host of The Traitors and beloved TV personality,
recently marked her 53rd birthday on January 15, and amid the celebrations, a long-forgotten confession from her 2020 autobiography resurfaced.
In the memoir, Winkleman shared some racy thoughts about Strictly Come Dancing’s former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, who had left an indelible impression on her.
The confession, made long before the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice and actress Amanda Abbington, was an eye-opening moment for fans.
Winkleman humorously wrote about Pernice’s appearance, specifically remarking on how impressive he looked without his shirt.
“If you want to know what Giovanni looks like without his top on – I get it.
Let me just say, knockout, plus much more muscular than you’d think,” she wrote, adding a playful tone to her words. She even invited readers to tweet her questions about the matter, promising to provide answers if they were curious.
At the time, Winkleman’s comments about the Italian dancer were innocent, lighthearted, and playful, showing a fun side of the TV presenter. However, Giovanni Pernice’s later departure from Strictly Come Dancing followed accusations of abusive behavior made by Abbington, which prompted a formal investigation. The findings of the probe upheld six of 17 complaints against Giovanni but concluded that there was no evidence of physical abuse. Despite this, Winkleman’s casual remarks about Pernice offer a stark contrast to the serious allegations that later surfaced.
Claudia has since moved on to other professional endeavors, most notably her role as the host of The Traitors, which has been a hit with viewers. The show, which features contestants trying to deceive their fellow players while remaining in the game, continues to captivate audiences. Claudia’s sharp wit and charismatic presence make her the perfect host, and fans can catch her on BBC One for the return of the show.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Claudia has also recently revealed her growing affection for a new member of her family. In an episode of the Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake podcast, Claudia shared with Kathy Burke her deep love for a new family addition: a dog named Skip. While she and her husband, film producer Kris Thykier, share three children, Claudia found herself seeking companionship after her children began to leave home. “The two [children] have left home; I didn’t know what to do,” she confessed, explaining how she ultimately decided to adopt a dog instead of seeking a baby.
Claudia’s love for her dog Skip is nothing short of heartwarming. She admitted that she treats him like the “love of my life,” searching for toys, stroking his ears, and even singing lullabies to him. Her devotion to Skip has become so intense that her husband, Kris, finds it a bit excessive. “My husband was like, ‘This is too much,’” she laughed, acknowledging that she may be overdoing it with her affection for the dog.
Her adoration for Skip provides a glimpse into the softer side of Winkleman, who is often known for her humorous and candid personality on screen. The relationship between Claudia and her dog seems to have filled the void left by her children’s departure, offering her a new sense of purpose and joy in her personal life.
As Claudia continues to make waves in the television world, her candid reflections about her career, family, and even Giovanni Pernice offer a look behind the curtain of the star’s private life. Her playful comments about the Strictly pro serve as a lighthearted reminder of her no-nonsense, yet often humorous, persona that has made her a fan favorite over the years.
Whether she’s teasing about past Strictly contestants, revealing her newfound obsession with Skip, or hosting The Traitors, Claudia Winkleman continues to captivate her audience with her unique mix of humor, warmth, and candidness. Her ability to connect with viewers, both on-screen and off, remains one of the many reasons why she’s become such a beloved figure in British television.
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