Claudia Winkleman, the 54-year-old host of The Traitors, balances her on-screen career with a private life that includes a marriage to film producer Kris Thykier, three children, and a surprising connection to the British royal family through her half-sister Sophie Winkleman.
As Celebrity Traitors returned this week with a new batch of famous faces entering the castle, Winkleman once again handpicked her Traitors for the series. Away from the cameras, her personal life remains largely out of the public eye, though she has offered occasional insights over the years.
Royal Family Link Through Half-Sister Sophie
Claudia's half-sister Sophie Winkleman, known for her role as Big Suze on Peep Show, married Lord Frederick Windsor in 2009. Lord Frederick is the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and a second cousin of King Charles III, currently occupying the 54th position in the line of succession to the British throne.
Sophie, who shares their father Barry with Claudia, has also appeared in Death in Paradise and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She regularly attends royal events and was seen laughing with King Charles at Royal Ascot.
Marriage to Film Producer Kris Thykier
Claudia married Kris Thykier, also 54, in 2000. Thykier has produced major films including Kick-Ass and Operation Mincemeat, as well as the Apple TV series Hijack and Netflix's Fate: The Winx Saga.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Claudia revealed what attracted her to Kris: "What did it for me was how he behaved in restaurants, bars and planes – indeed, simply around people. 'Thanks so much', 'no rush', 'I'll carry it over for you', 'here, have a drink on us'." She added, "Having been a waitress every school holiday from the age of 16, it was just that magic characteristic that tipped me over."
She also noted that Kris always asks after the cab driver's day and never takes up a seat on the London Underground. Their marriage has lasted over two decades, but both acknowledge it requires effort. Speaking to Red Magazine, she said: "Working too hard puts a strain on – but we're still working hard now. We don't have rules, but we look after each other more. So, whoever comes home first normally makes the dinner. It's just about being nice to each other."
Claudia told The Sun that her romantic life will flourish once her children leave home: "I'm sure it will be great. Me and husband will learn how to make stew and we'll read lots of books and we'll do tickling – that's code in case anyone is wondering."
Children and a Near Departure from Strictly
The couple share three children: Jake, 23; Matilda, 20; and Arthur, 15. Claudia's devotion to her children once nearly led her to quit Strictly Come Dancing before her eventual departure alongside co-host Tess Daly last year.
On Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she revealed she contacted her bosses "in tears" over fears that the show would clash with her son's university move. She said: "I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, 'Sarah, I love you. I don't want to leave Strictly, and Tess and I have agreed we will leave together when they're done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I'm out, and you'll have to go with somebody else.'"
She continued: "And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don't start that week.' I was like, 'Alright. I have to go and put up his posters.' It's not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through."
Claudia's career continues to thrive with The Traitors, while her family life remains a carefully guarded but occasionally shared part of her world.
