Claudia Winkleman joins Crufts Channel 4 presenting line-up

Claudia Winkleman is hosting Crufts alongside Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds and Radzi Chinyanganya for Channel 4.

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Broadcaster Claudia Winkleman
Broadcaster Claudia Winkleman

Claudia Winkleman is joining the Channel 4 presenting team for Crufts.

The 54-year-old TV host - who, with Tess Daly, 56, quit co-hosting BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in December 2025 - is thrilled to bring the four days of action from the world’s most famous dog show at Birmingham's NEC, to viewers.

Claudia - who will work alongside broadcaster Clare Balding, Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds and TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya - said: "I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be.

"I can’t wait to join this incredible team, and I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats."

Clare - who has led Channel 4's coverage of Crufts since 2010 - took part in the first series of the BBC's The Celebrity Traitors in 2025, and she cannot wait to be reunited with the star-studded game show's host, Claudia, from Thursday, March 5.

Clare, 55, said: "I’m really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team.

"She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style."

And Channel 4 is delighted that Claudia has signed up to join the Crufts presenting team.

Pete Andrews, Head of Sport at the broadcaster, said: "Crufts holds a special place in the hearts of Channel 4 viewers.

"There is no other event like it, and it is such a thrill to be welcoming Claudia to our brilliant gang of presenters and adding to our celebration of all things dog."

Crufts - which sees pooches take part in breed judging, agility, flyball and Heelwork to Music action, as well as compete for the prestigious Best in Show title - will broadcast over 20 hours of live TV across Channel 4 and More4.

Radzi, 39, and Ellie, 31, will be back on the ground inside Birmingham's NEC as they deliver the latest news, features and interviews from the event.

Resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow will offer viewers some top tips for looking after dogs.

Jim Rosenthal, 78, and Frank Kane will provide commentary across the four-day spectacle.

Watch Crufts on Channel 4 and More4 from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8.