Claudia Winkleman is set to return to ITV’s Hell’s Kitchen, 17 years after she first presented the celebrity cooking competition, having secured a hosting role alongside celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
The 54-year-old presenter, who has become one of the BBC’s biggest television personalities through the success of The Traitors, has signed up for the revived programme as ITV prepares to bring back the popular cooking format.
A source confirmed the development, saying: “Hell’s Kitchen’s return is in full swing and Claudia and Gordon have been secured.”
Original Cooking Competition Set for Revival
Hell’s Kitchen originally aired on ITV between 2004 and 2009.
Winkleman presented its fourth and final series before the programme ended its original run.
Although ITV executives have yet to reveal many details about the revival, insiders say the new series will retain the original format, featuring celebrity contestants learning to prepare meals in a busy restaurant environment.
The programme is expected to air in March, with Ramsay, 60, returning as the show’s creator and co-presenter.
Ramsay currently fronts the American version of Hell’s Kitchen, which features aspiring professional chefs rather than celebrity participants.
Move Comes After Winkleman’s Decision to Leave BBC Chat Show
Winkleman’s return to ITV comes after she decided against making a second series of The Claudia Winkleman Show, which launched on the BBC in March.
The chat show received significant publicity ahead of its debut, and its ratings were considered solid enough for the broadcaster to offer her another series.
However, the presenter ultimately declined the opportunity, explaining that she had not enjoyed the experience.
She said: “That’s it. It wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy it, I didn’t like having my name on it, it’s not what I’m good at. I need a format – it can’t just be me.”
Despite the BBC asking her to reconsider and try another series, Winkleman maintained her decision to walk away.
She added that she had not dwelled on the decision, describing the experience of attempting something different and failing as worthwhile.
Traitors Success Boosts Her Television Career
Winkleman’s television profile has grown considerably following the success of the BBC reality competition The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, both of which she has hosted since 2022.
She also presents Channel 4’s The Piano, adding to her growing list of television commitments.
Her popularity increased further after she and Tess Daly announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing last year, bringing an end to Winkleman’s 11-year association with the programme.
The BBC had reportedly hoped to capitalise on her growing popularity by offering her a separate chat show following her departure from the dance competition.
Winkleman Initially Hesitated Over The Traitors
Despite becoming closely associated with The Traitors, Winkleman previously revealed that she initially turned down the opportunity to host the programme because she was concerned about spending too much time away from her family.
An executive encouraged her to watch the original Dutch version before making a final decision.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, she recalled becoming so absorbed in the programme that she eventually sent the executive a message around midnight expressing her willingness to take the job.
She said: “I’m always in bed at 9pm with my book, but I started watching, and at midnight, I sent her a text saying, ‘I’ll buy my own ticket.’”
However, her confidence wavered again when filming began in the Scottish Highlands.
She recalled receiving a phone call from her television producer husband, Kris Thykier, who wanted to know how production was going.
Winkleman remembered telling him: “I’m standing in the Highlands wearing red fingerless gloves and carrying a ceremonial pouch – I think it’s over. But I’ve had a good run…”
The programme subsequently became a major success, establishing her as one of British television’s most recognisable presenters.
Presenter Makes Public Appearance at Christmas Lights Event
Winkleman was also seen in public on Wednesday evening as she attended the Marylebone Christmas lights switch-on event.
The presenter wore a faux-fur coat, black leggings and heeled black boots for the festive occasion.
She appeared on stage in front of the gathered crowd ahead of the official lighting ceremony, completing her outfit with her signature heavy eye makeup.
Her appearance came as preparations continued for her return to Hell’s Kitchen, marking another major television project following her decision to leave her BBC chat show.
