The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman has been a staple of our TV screens for years, but her life away from the cameras is just as fascinating
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Journalist
12:27, 02 Oct 2026
Inside Claudia Winkleman’s life off screen(Image: Darren Gerrish, Darren Gerrish/WireImage for The Royal Academy of Artsvia Getty Images)
Celebrity Traitors made its highly anticipated return this week as a new batch of famous faces entered the legendary castle for the ultimate test of lies and betrayal. Host Claudia Winkleman, 54, was once again in charge as she handpicked her Traitors for the series.
While viewers are eagerly devouring the drama unfolding on screen, Claudia’s life away from the cameras is equally intriguing. She boasts a surprising link to the royal family and is married to a well-known film producer.
The couple share three children: Jake, 23; Matilda, 20; and Arthur, 15. She tends to keep the majority of her personal life out of the public eye, though has offered occasional insights throughout the years.
Royal connection
Claudia’s sister Sophie is married to Lord Frederick Windsor(Image: Getty Images)
While Claudia reigns as TV royalty, she also has a genuine connection to actual royalty. Her half-sister Sophie Winkleman is recognised for her portrayal of Big Suze on Peep Show.
The actress, who is related to Claudia through their father, Barry, has also featured in programmes including Death in Paradise and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Sophie entered the royal fold in 2009 when she wed Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
He is a second cousin of King Charles III and currently occupies the 54th position in the line of succession to the British throne. Sophie regularly attends royal events and was seen laughing with King Charles at the Royal Ascot.
Famous husband
Claudia and Kris married in 2000(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Sky Atlantic)
They share three children(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Claudia wed film producer Kris Thykier, 54, back in 2000. He has carved out quite a name for himself in the industry, having been behind major productions including Kick-Ass and Operation Mincemeat, as well as Apple TV series Hijack and Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga.
Opening up about their relationship, Claudia revealed to OK! Magazine that she fell utterly head over heels for Kris, drawn in by his warm and considerate nature. She shared: “What did it for me was how he behaved in restaurants, bars and planes – indeed, simply around people. ‘Thanks so much’, ‘no rush’, ‘I’ll carry it over for you’, ‘here, have a drink on us’.
“Having been a waitress every school holiday from the age of 16, it was just that magic characteristic that tipped me over.” She further revealed that he always asks after the cab driver’s day, and will never take up a seat on the London Underground.
Claudia once let slip that Kris made her “head shoot off her shoulders” whenever they took off their clothes. While their marriage has endured for well over two decades, both acknowledge that it requires effort.
Speaking to Red Magazine, she said: “Working too hard puts a strain on – but we’re still working hard now. We don’t have rules, but we look after each other more. So, whoever comes home first normally makes the dinner. It’s just about being nice to each other.”
The TV star admitted her romantic life is set to flourish once her children fly the nest. She told The Sun: “I’m sure it will be great. Me and husband will learn how to make stew and we’ll read lots of books and we’ll do tickling – that’s code in case anyone is wondering.”
Kids
Devoted mum Claudia’s affection for her children once almost prompted her to walk away from Strictly Come Dancing. While she did depart the programme alongside co-host Tess Daly last year, her tenure on the show nearly ended much sooner.
She revealed on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour that she contacted her bosses “in tears” as she worried Strictly would coincide with her son’s university move.
Claudia said: “I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, ‘Sarah, I love you. I don’t want to leave Strictly, and Tess and I have agreed we will leave together when they’re done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I’m out, and you’ll have to go with somebody else.’
“And there was a beat. And she said, ‘Quite dramatic. We don’t start that week.’ I was like, ‘Alright. I have to go and put up his posters.’ It’s not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through.”