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Claudia Winkleman to replace Graham Norton as he leaves Radio 2 for Virgin Radio

Danny Thompson
·Contributor
Updated ·2-min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Claudia Winkleman joins Patron of Centrepoint, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, young people supported by Centrepoint, and the charity's staff, ambassadors and supporters to mark the charity's 50 years of tackling youth homelessness, at The Roundhouse on November 13, 2019 in London, England. Duran Duran, Rita Ora and Hussain Manawer all performed at the gala. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Centrepoint)
Claudia Winkleman joins Patron of Centrepoint at The Roundhouse on November 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Centrepoint)

Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman is set to replace Graham Norton on Radio 2 after he leaves his Saturday morning show.

Norton recently announced he is set to leave the station in December after ten years, later revealing he is joining Virgin Radio.

Winkleman has now confirmed she will replace Norton’s slot with her own show from February.

She said in a statement: "I'm not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.

Watch: Craig Revel Horwood on filming Strictly in lockdown

"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.

Read more: Claudia Winkleman: 'Feeling like an imposter keeps me on my toes'

"There's nobody I'd rather be with at the weekend, it's a privilege and an honour.”

Norton was quick to offer his support to his replacement.

GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 05: Television presenters Claudia Winkleman (R) and Graham Norton host the Eurovision dance contest dress rehearsal September 5, 2008 in Glasgow, Scotland. Twenty-eight dancers from 14 countries are being represented in the show, which will be televised live on BBC1 tomorrow. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Television presenters Claudia Winkleman (R) and Graham Norton host the Eurovision dance contest dress, 2008. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

He tweeted: "Congratulations @ClaudiaWinkle You'll love it!! Welcome to BBC Radio 2 Saturday mornings!!"

Drivetime host Sara Cox said it was "the BEST news", adding: "As a massive fan of Graham I was a little wibbly of belly about who was taking over his Saturday morning show so absolutely over the moon & thrice round Uranus that it's Claudia Winkles.

"Funny, very smart, witty, great interviewer - perfect choice."

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Winkleman described herself as “thrilled” but “terrified” at the “enormous shoes to fill”.

Read more: Graham Norton announces he is joining Virgin Radio after quitting BBC Radio 2

Announcing his decision to leave Radio 2 earlier this month, Norton said: “Obviously I’m sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show. I’ll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives.

“I’d like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I’ve worked with for a great decade of radio. Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race the BBC continues to be my perfect TV home.”

Watch: Claudia Winkleman talks Strictly secrets