Claudia Winkleman has confirmed she’ll be replacing Graham Norton on BBC Radio 2 and admits she’s ‘gobsmacked’. 

It was announced this month that Graham would be leaving the station after 10 years and has found a new home at Virgin Radio. 

His Radio 2 seat won’t be cold for long as Claudia is hopping in to take his place.

Confirming the exciting news, the Strictly Come Dancing host said: ‘I’m not often speechless but the chance to be with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners every Saturday has left me, quite frankly, gobsmacked.

‘I hope my voice comes back in time for the first show as I can no longer simply rely on a fake tan and a fringe. There’s nobody I’d rather be with at the weekend, it’s a privilege and an honour.’ 

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, added: ‘As Claudia is one of the UK’s best loved entertainers and a firm favourite with our listeners, I’m over the moon that she’ll be bringing her enormous warmth and wit to Saturday mornings on Radio 2.’

Claudia joined Radio 2 in spring 2008, hosting a comedy quiz series called Hot Gossip before moving to Friday nights to host Claudia Winkleman Arts Show. She has most recently presented Claudia on Sunday while also deputising for Ken Bruce,  Steve Wright and Sara Cox.

It comes two weeks after Graham, 57, announced his departure from Radio 2 and said: ‘Obviously I’m sad to be stepping away from my Radio 2 show. I’ll miss being a part of the Wogan House family, as well as the listeners and their lives.

‘I’d like to thank my producer Malcolm Prince and all the teams I’ve worked with for a great decade of radio.

‘Happily with the chat show, Eurovision and Drag Race the BBC continues to be my perfect TV home.’

The TV presenter then announced he will be joining Virgin Radio with a flagship weekend show on Saturdays and Sundays starting in the new year. A

Confirming the move, Graham said in a statement: ‘I am excited and a little surprised to be joining Virgin Radio UK in 2021.

‘I was very content where I was but the opportunity to host shows across the weekend seemed too good to miss out on. Plus the energy and enthusiasm at Virgin Radio are infectious and I can’t wait to get started!’

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