Claudia Winkleman’s ‘real reason’ for quitting Strictly ‘exposed’ in Celebrity Traitors finale

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has been a regular on the BBC ballroom show for years, but she and co-host Tess Daly said they would be stepping down after the current series

Claudia Winkleman’s behaviour in The Celebrity Traitors final may have exposed the genuine reason behind her upcoming Strictly departure, a body language expert has claimed.

The television presenter and her Strictly co-host Tess Daly recently revealed they would be stepping down following the current series of the BBC dance programme, releasing a joint statement on social media describing it as “an absolute dream” but acknowledging it felt “like the right time”.

Body language and behavioural expert Darren Stanton has now proposed that the motivation for Claudia’s choice might potentially be observed through her conduct on her other major BBC programme.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Darren noted that Claudia’s confident posture on Celebrity Traitors, combined with her animated hand movements and complete control of the surrounding scene, all indicate a host who has discovered her ideal setting, reports Wales Online.

He maintains the star’s physical communication “betrays where she’s happiest”.

“Claudia Winkleman’s body language on The Traitors suggests she’s found her true home,” he said.

“She’s often said she isn’t as confident as people assume, yet everything about her physical presence on the show tells a different story. On The Traitors, she looks completely at ease. She is grounded, expressive, and in command of the atmosphere around her.

“It’s difficult to picture anyone else fronting the series, and that sense of comfort might explain why she seems ready to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of scheduling, she had to choose between the two and her body language betrays where she’s happiest right now.”

Darren suggested that the telly star “thrives on the darker, more dramatic tone” of The Traitors, highlighting her “open and animated” posture and “theatrical” gestures.

He also noted her empathetic stance towards the contestants on the intense show.

“She instinctively adjusts her stance to make others feel at ease, softening her movements and lowering her shoulders to appear less dominant,” Darren observed.

“During her one-to-one with Alan (Carr) at the roundtable in the final, for instance, she leaned forward slightly, shoulders hunched – a clear attempt to calm him amid the tension. Yet even in those moments of softness, she’s fully absorbed in the performance, her expressions mirroring the suspense and excitement of the game.

“That balance seems uniquely suited to The Traitors.”

Darren further commented that when watching Claudia, “it’s hard to shake the feeling that The Traitors isn’t just another presenting job for her”.

Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Traitors both air on BBC One