Claudia Winkleman's chat show ended after one series - can anyone replace Graham Norton?

Claudia Winkleman has stepped down from her self-titled chat show after its inaugural seven-episode run, stating she was "too nervous to enjoy it." The decision marks the end of the program after only one series, despite Winkleman's popularity from shows like "Strictly Come Dancing."

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thrilling

The show saw some memorable moments, including a unique interaction between "The Traitors" breakout star Linda and "Friends" actress Lisa Kudrow. Kudrow expressed delight in meeting Linda, even stating the reality TV personality had inspired her own recent performances. Winkleman, as host of "The Traitors," facilitated this unusual meeting, drawing parallels to the kind of unexpected guest combinations often seen on "The Graham Norton Show."

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Everyone thought she could pull it off because she's smart and funny, but a chat show with multiple guests is very difficult to handle.

Despite Winkleman's charisma, the format of a multi-guest chat show proved demanding. Arts and entertainment editor Anita Singh commented that while Winkleman is smart and funny, managing conversations, ensuring equal time for guests, and facilitating planned anecdotes is a difficult task. Singh suggested that Winkleman might have improved with more series but noted her strength lies in spontaneity, a quality less suited to the structured chat show format.

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I think if Claudia had done a couple more series she would have become better at it. But she's at her best when she's being spontaneous, and the format allows very little space for that.

Sources indicate Winkleman's decision to quit surprised many, as viewing figures were respectable and critical reviews were mixed, not overwhelmingly negative. The BBC confirmed it was Winkleman's choice to end the show, and there was an intention for it to continue, possibly with a deal extending beyond one season. Peter Fincham, former BBC One controller, likened the situation to another chat show he commissioned that also ended after one series, highlighting the inherent pressures of hosting such a program.

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My understanding is they had made a deal beyond one season. How formal that was, I don't know. But there was an intention for it to continue.