As series three of BBC series The Traitors continues to grip the nation, we take a closer look at some of show host Claudia Winkleman’s more unusual food habits – including her phobia of water
With the latest series of The Traitors now well underway, once again audiences have been delighted by show host Claudia Winkleman’s presence on screen as she oversees the ultimate game of deception that sees contestants hoping to secure an impressive cash prize by masquerading as traitors among the faithful.
Yet keeping The Traitors in line is no easy feat, and it definitely takes a solid diet to wrack up enough energy for filming, which can sometimes even involve long gruelling days – and on occasion, even night shoots.
So what exactly does Claudia eat – and what are some of her more unusual food habits?
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Claudia’s water phobia
When it comes to likes and dislikes, it’s safe to say we all have one food or drink that is an absolute no-no in our books. For some people it’s veal or for others raw fish – yet in Claudia’s case, her worst case scenario is being asked to drink a glass of plain water.
Claudia previously revealed her intense dislike for the common beverage and even admitted how much it disgusted her when her husband Kris Thykier guzzled down a glass.
Opening up about her unusual preference, Claudia told the Off the Menu podcast: “I don’t like or believe in water, I won’t have it… I’ve never knowingly had water, I don’t like it. When people drink it, like my husband drinks great amounts of water, and I really like him but it’s problematic… He’s glugging… I don’t think so.”
Claudia’s no-nonsense sugar rule – and the exception
When she’s not bust presenting The Traitors, Claudia can often be found alongside co-host Tess Daly at the helm of Strictly Come Dancing, and back in 2019 it was Tess that lifted the lid on Claudia’s not-entirely strict decision to cut sugary foods from her diet.
Speaking with Metro, Tess said: “Claudia doesn’t do sugar. But that might not surprise you. She’s like the polar opposite of me. I’ve always got a bag of Haribo somewhere about my person. I’ve never seen her eat a sweet. She’ll eat cake, though”.
Claudia’s fast food love
Famed for her svelte figure, it may shock some fans to learn that Claudia is a big fan of a cheeky takeaway, particularly when filming Strictly. Speaking to Red Magazine in 2016 Claudia revealed that at the end of each show, she often retreats to Tess’ dressing room to order something deliciously moreish to munch on.
“We always get a takeaway after filming,” she said. “Often it’s Domino’s but I have been known to eat four Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s!”
Claudia’s naughty Christmas breakfast
The festive season may only just be behind us, but while many people think of Turkey and Christmas pudding as the most ‘naughty’ meal of the day, it’s actually breakfast where Claudia likes to bend the rules.
“I like to eat brandy butter on toast every morning – can’t recommend it enough – and will then have a pre-lunch snack of 20 After Eights followed by a handful of Quality Street,” the star told Stylist in 2019. Not bad for someone who doesn’t like sweets!
Claudia Winkleman’s late-night snack
Like many of us, Claudia finds herself falling victim to the night-time munchies and after revealing her go-to late night snack, it’s safe to say the star has some very relatable taste.
Reflecting on her dream snack, Claudia told cntraveller: “Right this very second I’d be in Claridge’s bar with my girlfriends. We’d all have too much eyeliner on (pandas forever) and a huge array of cheese straws, olives the size of light bulbs and particularly crisp crisps in front of us. Four Margaritas please, and possibly a cheese toastie at 10pm. Boof.”
Claudia’s no-cheat ‘cheat-meal’
While Claudia completely disagreed with the idea of labelling something a ‘cheat’, she revealed that roast chicken, crispy potatoes and horseradish were among her favourites, in addition to a vegetable side and two courses to follow.
Among the latter, she’d reportedly opt for an Italian cheese so strong in flavour, it’s bound to split opinions. “Buttery peas [too],” she told Marie Claire at the time. “…Then a cheese board that WILL include Gorgonzola, and then probably Tiramisu.”
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