Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman replaces Graham Norton on Radio 2 after chat-show star joins Virgin
CLAUDIA Winkleman will replace Graham Norton on BBC Radio 2 after the chat-show star left for Virgin Radio.
The Strictly Come Dancing host, 48, revealed she would take over the Saturday show, which airs between 10am and 1pm, from February.
Claudia, 48, said: "I’m not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.
"I hope my voice comes back in time for the first show as I can no longer simply rely on a fake tan and a fringe.
";There’s nobody I’d rather be with at the weekend, it’s a privilege and an honour.”
Graham, 57, stood down from his show earlier this year after ten years at Radio 2.
He revealed he was joining Virgin saying: "I am excited and a little surprised to be joining Virgin Radio UK in 2021.
"I was very content where I was but the opportunity to host shows across the weekend seemed too good to miss out on.
"Plus the energy and enthusiasm at are infectious and I can’t wait to get started! Did I mention the studios are very close to my house?”
The news Claudia was taking over was announced on the Zoe Ball breakfast show on Radio 2 this morning.
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She joined Radio 2 in 2008, hosting a comedy quiz series called Hot Gossip before moving to Friday nights to host the Claudia Winkleman Arts Show.
The star most recently presented Claudia on Sundays and has also deputised for Ken Bruce, Steve Wright and Sara Cox.