Latest news with #TheTraitorsUK
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming on the secret way he communicates with Traitors' Claudia Winkleman
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming on the secret way he communicates with Traitors' Claudia Winkleman The US Traitors host Alan Cumming is set to present the British Academy Television Awards this weekend and has opened up on his friendship with Traitors UK host Claudia Winkleman. Alan Cumming will be hosting the BAFTA TV Awards in London this weekend (Image: BAFTA/Rachell Smith ) This weekend, Alan Cumming will be hosting the British Academy Television Award and despite also hosting the Traitors US, the British equivalent of the reality game show is up for several awards including one for a fan favourite moment. The Scotsman and Claudia Winkleman, both hosts of the hit reality series The Traitors in their respective countries, have found a unique way to connect despite never having met. Both, The Traitors UK hosted by Claudia and The Traitors US hosted by Alan, are filmed in Ardross Castle in Scotland, and as a result the pair have been leaving notes for each other on set. He said: "Isn't it nuts? We might be the same person because you've never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Claudia has helmed The Traitors UK since 2022, which amusingly is shot in Scotland—Alan's birthplace. In the following year, Alan slipped into his distinct cape to present the U.S. edition of the popular BBC programme. Although they have not yet met, Alan and Claudia have already formed a silent understanding with one another. He shared: "We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new." He admitted: "We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror." Article continues below There was a moment when Alan considered appearing on Claudia's BBC Radio 2 broadcast to publicise his US version of The Traitors. He revealed: "I realised I'd have to get up at 4am because I was in New York. Sorry, Claudia. I love – but not that much!". Alan is just as busy outside of his castle duties. He recently had a stint in Doctor Who and is now gearing up to reprise his beloved role as Nightcrawler in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for the first time since 2003. "I'm a little achy from doing my stunt training," Alan confessed, noting the nostalgia and excitement of returning to past roles. "It's amazing when things come back into your life. If you live long enough, all things return but there'll also be new things that augment them." For now though, the Scotsman, who is soon to turn 60, will be hosting the BAFTAs this Sunday, May 11, and The Traitors UK is in contention for several awards. "It's like going to a massive showbiz wedding," Alan quipped. "That's the thing about getting older – these events become reunions." He expressed real enthusiasm for the team behind The Traitors UK, who are also involved with the US edition. He explained: "It's great because Studio Lambert make my version too, I really like them." Alan feels closely intertwined with The Traitors, even adding his creative flair to the screenplay. "I understand what's needed at certain points," he noted, "As you get older, you have a few strings to your bow and occasionally, one job plucks all your strings." His biggest challenge in the role isn't the lines or the action—it's maintaining his composure. "Sometimes, I think I'm being implacable but I'm actually rolling my eyes or gasping," he shared about trying to keep a straight face on set. This year's BAFTAs has seen a nomination for an incredibly iconic moment from The Traitors UK, when Diane announced that Paul wasn't her son... but Ross was. Content cannot be displayed without consent The scene from the second season has been nominated for the 'Memorable Moment' award alongside the famous wedding scene from Gavin and Stacey's finale episode. It's the moment that got us all waiting with baited breath on Christmas Day, when Smithy asks Mick what he should do during his wedding to Sonia. The award itself is voted on by the public and the aim is to celebrate impactful elements of the last year of television. Article continues below The Bafta Television Awards will be hosted by Scottish actor and presenter, Alan Cumming, and taking place on May 11. The award show will be broadcast on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 7pm to 9pm.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Traitors host Claudia Winkleman unrecognisable in unearthed clip from 1996
The TV star looked completely different in the old clip which has resurfaced on the internet. Claudia Winkleman fans have been left stunned as an old clip of her in 1996 has resurfaced on the internet and the star looks completely different - and without her iconic blunt fringe. The Strictly Come Dancing co-host joined Tess Daly on the show in 2010, and ascended to the main programme in 2014 after Bruce Forsyth stepped down. The Traitors host is known for the spectacular hair cut and bold eyeliner which became Claudia's signature style. However, fans couldn't believe how different she looked as a youthful 24 year old in vintage BBC archive footage, writes The Mirror. The Instagram post, featuring the clip, was captioned: "Claudia Winkleman on how to improve your pulling power. OnThisDay 1996: Claudia Winkleman had some top tips and choice chat-up lines to help men and women alike, to improve their pulling power. Clip taken from Good Morning with Anne and Nick, originally broadcast 3 May 1996." In the video, Claudia was dubbed a "chat up connoisseur", who dishes out flirting advice for both males and females and was without her iconic haircut. Many fans flocked to the comments to talk about how different she looked. With one commenting: "She's a beautiful lady - she doesn't need to hide behind a fringe and eyeliner." Another remarked: "Wow. Looks so different but her voice and mannerisms give it away." While a third admirer noted: "Lovely woman inside and out, then and now." Another user remarked: "Her accent has changed quite a bit, she's definitely not as posh as she is in this clip. I think she's fab." One also commented: "I would never have recognised her." A different user noted: "Her hairstyle suits her so much more than having a fringe 1⁄2 way down her face. The natural colour looks better too." Winkleman's television career began in 1992 with an appearance on the BBC series Holiday. In the mid '90s, she even featured on This Morning as a reporter, getting the scoop on lots of celebrity news. Her breakthrough TV role came in 2001 with Central Weekend, a regional debate show. Subsequently, she went on to present Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and later joined the main show. In recent times, Winkleman has been at the helm of several shows including The Great British Sewing Bee, The Big Fat Anniversary Quiz, Britain's Best Home Cook and The Traitors UK. Tech Advisor reports that recording for season 4 of The Traitors UK is set for this spring or summer, teasing a potential return to our screens in early January 2026. Meanwhile, the BBC excitedly announced on Instagram: "The time for talk is over... The Traitors has been commissioned for a fourth series as well as a nine-part celebrity version for iPlayer and BBC One - and series three has already been filmed in the Scottish Highlands. "But that's not all - The Traitors: Uncloaked is set to make a comeback on @bbcsounds and iPlayer too!" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Claudia Winkleman fans floored after seeing what star looks like without fringe
A clip from 1996 has resurfaced showing a fresh-faced Claudia Winkleman, who has been presenting Strictly Come Dancing since 2010, and fans can't believe how different she looks Claudia Winkleman's fans have been left gobsmacked after a throwback clip from 1996 resurfaced, showing the star long before she became a familiar face on Strictly Come Dancing. The now 53-year-old joined the Strictly results show as a co-host with Tess Daly in 2010, and ascended to the main show in 2014 after Bruce Forsyth stepped down. Known for her iconic fringe and heavy eyeliner, Claudia's signature style has become synonymous with her TV persona. But viewers were astonished to see how different she appeared as a youthful 24-year-old in vintage BBC archive footage. The Instagram post, featuring the clip, was captioned: "Claudia Winkleman on how to improve your pulling power. OnThisDay 1996: Claudia Winkleman had some top tips and choice chat-up lines to help men and women alike, to improve their pulling power. Clip taken from Good Morning with Anne and Nick, originally broadcast 3 May 1996." In the snippet, a young Winkleman, dubbed a "chat up connoisseur", dishes out flirting advice aimed at both sexes. Fans didn't hold back on their reactions to her pre-fame look, with one commenting: "She's a beautiful lady - she doesn't need to hide behind a fringe and eyeline." Another remarked: "Wow. Looks so different but her voice and mannerisms give it away." While a third admirer noted: "Lovely woman inside and out, then and now." Another user remarked: "Her accent has changed quite a bit, she's definitely not as posh as she is in this clip. I think she's fab." One also commented: "I would never have recognised her." A different user noted: "Her hairstyle suits her so much more than having a fringe 1⁄2 way down her face. The natural colour looks better too." Winkleman's television journey began in 1992 with an appearance on the BBC series Holiday. In the mid '90s, she even featured on This Morning as a reporter, getting the scoop on lots of celebrity news. Her breakthrough TV role came in 2001 with Central Weekend, a regional debate show. Subsequently, she went on to present Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and later joined the main show. In recent times, Winkleman has been at the helm of several shows including The Great British Sewing Bee, The Big Fat Anniversary Quiz, Britain's Best Home Cook and The Traitors UK. Tech Advisor reports that recording for season 4 of The Traitors UK is set for this spring or summer, teasing a potential return to our screens in early January 2026. Meanwhile, the BBC excitedly announced on Instagram: "The time for talk is over... The Traitors has been commissioned for a fourth series as well as a nine-part celebrity version for iPlayer and BBC One - and series three has already been filmed in the Scottish Highlands. "But that's not all - The Traitors: Uncloaked is set to make a comeback on @bbcsounds and iPlayer too!"
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BAFTAS host Alan Cumming on the secret way he communicates with Traitors' Claudia Winkleman
Despite working on the same project, Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never met in person. But they've already found a way to secretly communicate behind the scenes. They may front the same hit reality series on opposite sides of the Atlantic, The Traitors, but Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never actually met. However, they've already found a way to bond. 'Isn't it nuts?' Alan says. 'We might be the same person because you've never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago.' Since 2022, Claudia has been the face of The Traitors UK, filmed in Alan's homeland of Scotland. A year later, Alan donned his trademark cape to host the American version of the hit BBC series. Though their paths haven't crossed in person, there's already a quiet camaraderie between the two. 'We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new,' Alan says. 'We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror.' The pair nearly came face-to-face when Alan thought of promoting the first season of his US Traitors on Claudia's BBC Radio 2 show. 'I realised I'd have to get up at 4am because I was in New York,' he says. 'Sorry, Claudia. I love – but not that much!' The perfect opportunity to meet might be just around the corner as tomorrow, Alan, 60, will host the British Academy Television Awards, where The Traitors UK is nominated for major prizes. 'It's like going to a massive showbiz wedding,' Alan says. 'That's the thing about getting older – these events become reunions.' He is genuinely rooting for the team behind The Traitors UK, many of whom also work on the American version. 'It's great because Studio Lambert make my version too, I really like them.' Alan's working on a new programme with producers. 'I have a production deal at Universal and there's a show we're trying to get together.' But first, the BAFTAS. 'It's like throwing a party,' he says. 'I like having gatherings and celebrating people.' This one, however, is no casual gathering. 'I didn't realise I have to introduce 23 presenters,' he says. 'I've hosted awards where I've had a different look every time I came out but that would be exhausting.' His excitement isn't just professional. With Baby Reindeer leading the TV nominations, Alan is looking forward to hanging out with fellow Scot Richard Gadd. 'I'm excited to see him,' he says. 'I sat next to him at the Emmys – we were two men in kilts and between us we won five awards. It was a good night for Scotland.' Alan's connection to The Traitors runs deep – he also contributes to the scripts, shaping the tone of the show. 'I understand what's needed at certain points,' he says, 'As you get older, you have a few strings to your bow and occasionally, one job plucks all your strings.' That doesn't make his job any easier. His biggest challenge? Keeping a straight face. 'Sometimes, I think I'm being implacable but I'm actually rolling my eyes or gasping,' he says. 'It's been my biggest challenge.' Outside the castle, Alan's schedule is just as full. He recently made a guest appearance in Doctor Who and he's prepping for a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nightcrawler, his first time reprising the role since 2003. 'I'm a little achy from doing my stunt training,' he admits. 'It's amazing when things come back into your life. If you live long enough, all things return but there'll also be new things that augment them.' And when he's not working, Alan is an avid telly viewer. ' Adolescence was incredible and I watched White Lotus but that's like having a Christmas dinner – everybody's got to do it,' he says. 'And I love watching classic old movies.'
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The Traitors star set to host BBC Radio One's Early Breakfast show amid presenter shake-up
The third season of The Traitors UK may have ended a while ago, but one of its most memorable players has landed herself a presenting role on BBC Radio One as the station has another shake-up. Minah Shannon, who quickly became a fan favourite on the show before being banished just days before the final, is set to join BBC Radio One to take over the Friday Early Breakfast slot on a monthly rotation. From Friday May 2, the call centre manager, 29, will co-host the show alongside Radio 1's Nat O'Leary from 5am - 7am throughout the month. Speaking on the new career news, Minah said: 'I am so excited to be presenting every Friday in May on Radio 1's Early Breakfast! I'm hoping to brighten up listeners morning's (or day's if you catch up on BBC Sounds). 'Getting to present alongside Nat O'Leary is going to be so much fun. We discovered we both attended the same university and used to hang out in all the same places, so it feels like it was meant to be! If we can give the lovely listeners a laugh, then mission accomplished!' As part of the run, the duo will present a special show live from Liverpool on Friday May 23, helping to kick off this year's Radio 1 Big Weekend 2025 celebrations and, in keeping with Minah's scouse roots. Nat added: 'I'm so excited to be joining Minah on Friday Early Breakfast! Minah's energy is electric so I know we're gonna cause some chaos and bring some fun to your Friday early mornings! Can't wait to wake up with you babes!' Taking on the slot in June will be rising radio talent Lauren Redfern. She said: 'Absolutely buzzing to be taking over the early morning breakfast slot every Friday in June! I've been loving presenting shows over on Radio 1 Anthems, but now they're letting me loose on your mornings too! I can't wait to share my mornings with you!' Radio One saw huge changes among its presenters in 2024, with Vick Hope and Katie Thistleton moving to Going Home with Jamie Laing. Jamie and the girls co-host Going Home, which airs daily between 3.30pm and 6pm, following Jordan North's departure. Radio DJ Jordan replaced Roman Kemp on Capital Breakfast and officially started in April 2024 alongside Chris Stark and Sian Welby. Meanwhile, Matt Edmondson and Mollie King, who previously presented Matt and Mollie on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, moved to the weekday afternoon show. The pair have hosted Weekend Breakfast together since 2018 and from July 2024 took on the 1pm to 4pm slot on Monday to Thursday. Minah's exciting news comes after she detailed the moment a very A-list pop star reached out to her after her stint on the BBC competition. Minah captured British hearts as the kindhearted Traitor on the third series of the hit programme and fans were left fuming when she was ultimately banished. And it wasn't just everyday viewers she won over as Minah revealed one of her celebrity heroes contacted her on social media after she was eliminated from the show. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Minah detailed the surreal moment Jade Thirlwall commented on her Instagram post, in which she reflected on her journey on the show. 'She didn't slide into my DMs, but she commented and re-shared one of my little reels on my story - Jade from Little Mix ,' she gushed. 'I'm a massive Little Mix fan! When I was banished and I did my post, Jade commented ''iconic'' and my whole life - I was like ''oh that's great!''' Minah, who was promoting her partnership with Nespresso and Oatly, admitted she hadn't considered she would come a celebrity after the show, only signing up because she was a passionate fan of The Traitors. She revealed her husband Liam was just as surprised and said she isn't sure she will ever get used to her newfound status and public profile. 'I wasn't expecting anything, I was a massive Traitors fan and that was the only reason I applied, I just wanted to geek out at the fact that I'm on the show,' she said. 'It just blew up and it was more than what I ever expected or anticipated. But [Liam] just thinks it's the craziest thing and people that we love, whether it's musicians or people in the public eye, are messaging me. 'I'll message him straight away like ''oh my gosh!'' and I don't know if I'll ever get used to that.' However, her two-year-old daughter Luna has been keeping her grounded as Minah confessed she couldn't be less interested in her TV appearances or high-profile status. '[Luna] doesn't really get it, even I'll show her something that I've done online and she just doesn't care, she wants to listen to Cocomelon or watch a Disney film,' she shared. 'A few weeks back, when the show was on, I was watching Lisa and Alex on Lorraine and there was a clip of us at the round table and I said ''Luna look, it's mummy on the TV'' and she pointed and went ''there's Leanne!'' and I thought ''she doesn't even care that I'm on the telly!''' Minah's inspiration for going on the show was her family and she wanted to win the £120,000 prize pot so she could fund a honeymoon after she and Liam missed out on theirs amid the Covid pandemic. Though she didn't ultimately take home the money, the Liverpudlian fan favourite said she is still saving and hopes to have the honeymoon of her dreams in the next year. 'No, we haven't [planned our honeymoon] because I didn't win but it is something we are definitely going to have,' she said. 'Even doing this job with Nespresso, I can put that towards us having a very nice honeymoon. 'I don't know what the year is going to bring for us - I thought I'd do the show, it would be fun and I'd go back to work as normal, but it's just so happened that I've ended up doing some exciting stuff. 'But hopefully we'll have a honeymoon in the next 12 months.' Though she has found herself thrown into the limelight and has signed with a talent agency, Minah is not overly interested in appearing in any more reality TV shows. 'I haven't thought about anything else that I'd want to do,' she admitted. 'I'm a massive Traitors fan so I was like ''this is the most exciting thing ever''. I suppose I wouldn't rule out certain shows, but for now I'd probably say no [to appearing on them].' However, she gushed that she still has more 'exciting' projects planned for this year - as well as a reunion with all of her Traitors co-stars - including her bestie and winner Leanne Quigley. Minah revealed she would have loved Faithful Leanne to have been a Traitor alongside her, as well as their fellow bestie Dan Bird. 'I really wanted to pick Leanne [as a Traitor]. I feel like me and Leanne - I mean you don't know if we would have won, you never know, but we'd have had so much fun,' she said. 'She's probably the person I'm closest with in the show so we would have been very cheeky together as Traitors. Also, I feel like Dan would have made a very, very good Traitor because he's so composed.'
