Claudia Winkleman was forced to issue an apology minutes into her live radio appearance after accidentally dropping the f-bomb in front of a child. On Friday morning (March 20), the former Strictly star joined Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston for their nationwide breakfast show. As the veteran broadcaster promoted her new talk show, which airs tonight on BBC One, the radio hosts decided to hand the reins to youngster Finley, who tried his hand at interviewing.
After the fun-filled segment ended, the mum-of-three passed on her thanks to the pupil before they went to an ad break. She gushed: "Thank you so much to our young interviewer, Finley. Bye, darling."
Jamie then teased: "We'll have more from our special guest, Claudia Winkleman, right after this." It was at this point that Winkleman believed they had come off air when she complained: "Oh no! For f***'s sake!"
It was at this point that she realised not only were they still on air, but that little Finley was still watching the show play out via a video link online. After realising her mistake, she screamed: "Oh no, Finley's still there! I'm so sorry! Finley, do not be me, ever! I'm so sorry, Finley!"
Weeks after exiting Strictly, it was revealed the Head and Shoulders ambassador had secured her own programme, featuring A-list celebrities, with the fresh studio offering a "cosy private members club feel". Yet the inaugural episode, which included guests Jennifer Saunders and Jeff Goldblum, failed to wow fans online.
Certain critics adored it and commended the presenter for her 'warmth' and 'wit', whilst others labelled it "boring", with one even suggesting the BBC had committed a "huge mistake" with the concept.
Chat show veteran Graham, who has presented his own programme for years with considerable success, has now spoken out about the show. Discussing Claudia's programme, which the Irishman's production company, So Television, creates, Graham maintained his friend had 'nailed it'.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "'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."
