Claudia Winkleman Talks Strictly Come Dancing, Style And How She Unwinds

Claudia Winkleman Talks Strictly Come Dancing, Style And How She Unwinds

It's a universal truth all women love Claudia Winkleman. She's co-presenting Strictly Come Dancing full-time - replacing Sir Bruce Forsyth - is completely hilarious and has incredible style. Plus, you just know she'd be more fun than anyone else on a night out.

So, prepare yourself for this delight: the celebrity every woman wants to be best friends with has styled out pieces from Marks & Spencer's and not only is the result chic, it's completely doable.

Marks & Spencer

Tapping into the monochrome trend - still huge after three seasons dominating the catwalk - the presenter has teamed simple tailored separates with statement bags and shoes to create a look that's louche but polished. Naturally, her signature blunt fringe and black eyeliner finishes the whole thing off perfectly.

But then, would you expect anything less from a woman who started her career in the fashion department of society glossy Tatler? Although, typically self-deprecating, Winkleman admits the industry wasn't quite right for her thanks to a few minor mishaps.

I was a fashion assistant, but unbelievably bad," she revealed to M&S Style & Living. "I used to iron tights and then burn them. Worse, somebody came in with two massive bags of Chanel and I sent them to the charity shop by mistake.

Meanwhile, despite being a fashion icon herself, she's not above celebrity style-spotting and one model in particular gets a huge bravo on the sartorial front.

"I don't dress like her but Kate Moss has never looked bad," she said. "She can wear anything and still look hot. She's my favourite."

Marks & Spencer

When it comes to beauty, the 42-year-old joked she's "held aloft" by two things: a healthy layer of fake tan and her fringe.

"People send me quite serious letters asking me to cut it, but without both of those things I crumple," she said.

So, when she's not working on Strictly, Film 2014, the red carpet or The Great British Sewing Bee, how does the mum-of-three unwind? In the kitchen, concocting her own sweet treats she promises taste wonderful.

"I'm obsessed by baking. I make brownies that have little bits of shredded biscuit in them and sometimes a layer of cream cheese, which sounds awful but is actually delicious!"

It's unlikely Winkleman will have a huge amount of time to bake when the new series of Strictly kicks off - a job she admitted still gives her the jitters despite 20 years in television.

However, she gets through any pre-camera nerves about presenting everyone's favourite show by remembering an excellent piece of wisdom bestowed on her by a friend in the early days of her career.

"They just whispered in my ear, 'It's only telly' – and I've carried it with me ever since."

It is only telly - but doesn't Winkleman make it brilliant?