Claudia Winkleman Hosts Launch Of Valo Electric Aircraft In Canary Wharf While Balancing Busy Week Of Awards And TV Appearances

Claudia Winkleman Hosts Launch Of Valo Electric Aircraft In Canary Wharf While Balancing Busy Week Of Awards And TV Appearances

Claudia Winkleman has had a whirlwind week, seamlessly juggling a Strictly Christmas special, appearances on It Takes Two, and an MBE investiture at Windsor Castle.

Not one to slow down, the 53-year-old presenter added another event to her schedule by hosting the launch of Valo, Vertical Aerospace’s new zero-emission aircraft, at The Pelligon in Canary Wharf on Wednesday.

Star-Studded Event Celebrates Cutting-Edge Aircraft

The Valo launch drew a host of celebrities and style icons.

Billie Piper, Jamie Winstone, Lady Amelia Windsor, Mel Blatt, the Flag Twins, Daniel Lismore, and Victoria Grant all attended to get a first look at the fully electric, zero-emission aircraft.

Early commercial routes are expected to include convenient airport-to-city center connections.

Claudia looked effortlessly chic in her signature straight locks, a black blazer, white shirt, and tights, perfectly complementing Billie Piper, who dazzled in a lace top and miniskirt.

Photographers captured the pair posing together, radiating energy and excitement for the green technology on display.

Reflecting On Years Of Strictly Success

The busy presenter hasn’t just been celebrating technological milestones.

Earlier in the week, she and Tess Daly opened up about their impending exit from Strictly Come Dancing during an appearance on It Takes Two.

When asked if they had absorbed the reality of leaving the show, Tess admitted, “The short answer is no.

I haven’t had time to think about it because we’ve been so absorbed in this series.

It’ll probably hit me on the 20th, and I might get emotional.”

Claudia added, “We will be emotional, but it won’t be about us—it’ll be about the winners.”

Tess laughed: “So we’re not allowed to cry.”

From Companion Show To Mainstage Icon

Claudia’s journey with Strictly has been remarkable.

She started by hosting the weekday companion show It Takes Two, before stepping into the Saturday results slot alongside Tess in 2014, following Sir Bruce Forsyth’s retirement.

Together, the pair have become iconic faces of the show, collecting the entertainment programme gong at the 2024 BAFTA TV Awards and earning MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours for their broadcasting contributions.

Honoured By The King

This week, Claudia attended an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she was officially presented with her MBE by the King, a formal recognition of her extensive career and contributions to entertainment.

Strictly Drama Continues On Screen

Meanwhile, the drama on Strictly continues.

During Sunday’s results show, the judges saved West End star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin after they landed in the bottom two with former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope and pro dancer Katya Jones.

Amber now joins semi-finalists including Balvinder Sopal from EastEnders, social media star George Clarke, and former Lioness Karen Carney.

Next weekend, the semi-final promises excitement with two new routines from each couple, plus special performances from Australian superstar Kylie Minogue and pop band Five.

Fans can catch the action on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the main show airing Saturday at 6.35 pm and results at 7.45 pm on Sunday.

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