BREAKING NEWS: Claudia Winkleman ‘in talks to front huge ITV reboot’ in move away from the BBC
Claudia Winkleman could be heading back to ITV for the first time in 17 years, with the Traitors host reportedly being lined up to front a revived version of Hell’s Kitchen UK.
The 54-year-old broadcaster is said to be at the top of producers’ wish list as plans gather pace to bring the hit cooking competition back to British television.
Claudia currently remains one of the BBC’s biggest names, hosting The Traitors as well as its celebrity spin-off, while she also fronted her own BBC chat show earlier this year.
But a move to Hell’s Kitchen would mark a significant change, putting her back on ITV screens after almost two decades.
A source claimed discussions are still at an early stage, but producers have already approached Claudia about the possibility.
“It’s early days but Claudia is top of the producers’ hit list to present the show,” the insider said.
They added that producers had “put out the feelers” earlier in the summer and that Claudia was interested in exploring what the revived format could look like.
Producers Reportedly Keen to Work Around Claudia’s Schedule
Securing Claudia would not necessarily be straightforward.
Her profile has risen considerably since she previously presented Hell’s Kitchen UK in 2009, and she now has several major television commitments.
The source acknowledged that reality, saying Claudia is “one of the biggest stars in the UK now” and that bringing her back would be more difficult than it was during the show’s original run.
Even so, producers are reportedly convinced she would be the right choice.
With no final schedule yet in place, bosses are said to be prepared to adjust production dates around her existing work.
That flexibility could prove important given her ongoing commitments to The Traitors and other projects.
Claudia already has history with Hell’s Kitchen. The UK version originally ran between 2004 and 2009, and she presented its fourth series after taking over from Angus Deayton.
Gordon Ramsay Confirms Reboot Talks
The renewed speculation comes after Gordon Ramsay revealed earlier this year that discussions were already under way about reviving the programme.
Ramsay said he believed Hell’s Kitchen could return to the UK with a live version next year, explaining that viewers regularly ask him to bring the show back.
He confirmed that conversations with ITV were taking place and suggested an update could follow once plans were further developed.
The chef’s comments strengthened long-running rumours that ITV had been considering another run.
A source previously claimed in 2024 that early conversations were happening and that the broadcaster was enthusiastic about the possibility of reviving one of Ramsay’s biggest international formats.
The show has become a major global franchise and is broadcast in around 100 countries, although Ramsay’s schedule has reportedly been one of the biggest practical challenges in making a UK return happen.
For Claudia, the potential move would come during an especially busy period.
She is due back on television later this year when Celebrity Traitors returns, while her association with the BBC remains strong despite her departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
That makes the possibility of an ITV project particularly notable.
No deal has yet been announced, and both ITV and Claudia’s representatives have been approached for comment.
For now, the talks remain at an early stage, but if producers succeed in bringing Claudia on board, the reboot would reunite her with a show she last hosted 17 years ago — this time with a much bigger profile and one of British television’s most recognisable names attached.
