Claudia Winkleman: ‘Every September, I turn several shades of orange brighter, and off we go’

As Strictly returns for a 19th series, its host talks dream guests, turning 50 and the childhood trips that inspired her passion for art

Strictly Come Dancing is basically Christmas," grins Claudia Winkleman. It's all about sparkle and kindness. It's a snowglobe of a show. Even the make-believe baddie isn't really evil. He'll hate me for saying so but Craig Revel Horwood might be one of the loveliest men I've ever met."

The 49-year-old is, of course, the Bafta-nominated co-host of the hit BBC One contest, which this week returns to the ballroom for its 19th series. Winkleman, who is married with three children and lives in central London, also presents a weekly Radio 2 show, a hit podcast and last year published her debut book, Quite, a frank and funny guide to life. Not bad for someone who self-deprecatingly claims: I only work a few months of the year. It's like doing panto season. I'm basically Christopher Biggins."