Claudia Winkleman issued a swift apology during a live radio broadcast after accidentally swearing in front of a young listener.
Unexpected Slip During Breakfast Show
On Friday morning, the Strictly Come Dancing presenter joined Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on their nationwide breakfast programme. Winkleman was promoting her new BBC One talk show, set to air that evening.
The hosts handed the microphone to young Finley for a fun interview segment. After it wrapped up, Winkleman thanked the child enthusiastically: “Thank you so much to our young interviewer, Finley. Bye, darling.”
Jamie Theakston then announced: “We’ll have more from our special guest, Claudia Winkleman, right after this.” Believing the broadcast had paused for ads, Winkleman exclaimed: “Oh no! For f***’s sake!”
She quickly realised they were still live and that Finley remained connected via video link. Winkleman immediately apologised: “Oh no, Finley’s still there! I’m so sorry! Finley, do not be me, ever! I’m so sorry, Finley!”
The studio burst into laughter as Amanda Holden reassured her: “I bet mummy swears.” Winkleman appeared mortified by the mishap.
Context from New BBC Chat Show Launch
The incident follows the debut of Winkleman’s new BBC programme, featuring A-list guests in a cosy club-like studio. The first episode starred Jennifer Saunders and Jeff Goldblum.
While some viewers praised her warmth and wit, others called it “boring,” prompting criticism of the format.
Chat show host Graham Norton defended Winkleman, stating: “What Claudia did was the Claudia Winkleman show, and that’s what she’s supposed to be doing. She shouldn’t be trying to be me. She should be trying to be Claudia, and she nailed that.” Norton’s production company, So Television, produces the series.
