Claudia Winkelman reveals she’s ‘terrified’ as she takes on major new BBC role

What a job!

Claudia Winkleman poses in a jumper and a blazer
Claudia Winkleman is the new Radio 2 host on Saturdays
(Image credit: Claudia Winkleman is the new Saturday host on BBC Radio 2)

Graham Norton’s BBC Radio 2 replacement has been revealed as Claudia Winkleman, who will host the 10am-1pm Saturday show. 

The Strictly Come Dancing host announced the exciting news on Zoe Ball’s breakfast show on Monday morning before heading over to Instagram to share a statement. 

She simply said, “Thrilled. Terrified. Enormous shoes to fill. Send socks. Please swipe.”

Claudia, 48 - who recently launched a make-up range with Boots - went on to say, “I’m not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.”

Graham is set to leave BBC Radio 2 after ten years in December to front a new show on Virgin Radio on Saturdays and Sundays. 

And the 57-year-old is thrilled with his replacement. “Congratulations @ClaudiaWinkle You'll love it!! Welcome to BBC Radio 2 Saturday mornings,” he tweeted. 

Claudia Winkleman poses on a red carpet

Claudia Winkleman suffers from imposter syndrome 

(Image credit: Claudia Winkleman has been announced as Graham Norton's replacement)

Claudia’s latest career news comes after the TV star revealed she suffers from imposter syndrome and doesn’t feel famous on “any level," after making this surprise confession about Strictly Come Dancing.

She was quizzed about it by Chris Evans on his How To Wow podcast and said, ‘[Imposter syndrome] is rampant... raging. I'm thanking my parents for the elaborate ways they have made me feel successful.

“I think Strictly is just a lovely home video they've created for me so I don't think it's all been a disaster.”

Graham Norton is a TV star

Graham Norton is leaving BBC Radio 2 after 10 years

(Image credit: Graham Norton is leaving BBC Radio 2 after 10 years)

While some might cower away in fear at the feelings of self-doubt, Claudia insists it makes her work harder at her craft and “keeps her on her toes”.

“I think impostor syndrome is quite important,” she explained. “There are lots of things we're told that are really bad, like guilt, but guilt is quite important as if you feel guilty about something it's probably true.

“And I think we should also feel impostor syndrome a bit.

Claudia Winkleman co-hosts Strictly with Tess Daly

Claudia Winkleman presents Strictly with Tess Daly

(Image credit: Claudia Winkleman presents Strictly with Tess Daly)

“Not if it's crippling, and not if it's about anxiety or anybody is really struggling at work.. but I think feeling that you're going to get caught out just slightly makes you work harder, makes you grateful, and makes you better at your job.”

That’s one way to look at it! 

Georgia Farquharson

Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."