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Within these six sections are different topics that Claudia felt passionate enough to write about (plus a section on squirrels her son made her add š ). You might not agree with everything Claudia has to say about life, you might think that some of the things that she talks about are definitely not the way you see things or run your life and that is okay. She is not preaching at you, telling you to change your life, she is merely telling you her thoughts on the subjects. Claudia Winkleman is one of the best known broadcasters in the UK, she won the RTS Award for Best Presenter in 2015, the WFTV award for Best Presenter in 2019 and has been BAFTA-nominated. Claudia currently co-hosts Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1) alongside Tess Daly and also has a Sunday night show on BBC Radio 2. Claudia also fronts the BBC1 cookery competition series Britainās Best Home Cook alongside Mary Berry, which first aired in 2018 and will return to television screens again next year. She also regularly appears as a guest on panel shows including QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Big Fat Quiz of the Year and Would I Lie To You.
But now, Claudia Winkleman has brought out a book, which is both funny and smart. It isnāt a memoir, although there are allusions to her happy childhood. Itās more a peek into the inner workings of its authorās mind as she serves up a delicious smorgasbord of reflections on her 48 years.As part of the Strictly family, Claudia first presented Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two before joining Tess Daly on the main show in 2014. The following year she also hosted The Peopleās Strictly.
Secondly, this book consists of a lot of opinions. This is not per se a problem, but it reads more like a collection of blogposts - or in places Buzzfeed listicles - than a traditional book. Some chapters give interesting insight into Claudia's character and interests - her passion for the history of art really comes through and is great to read about - while others are opinions on fairly superficial things, told in an exaggerated way for comic effect. There are some glimmers into Claudia's life, but she keeps some cards closely guarded - e.g. a chapter on the health service alludes to various illnesses in her family but never gives any details.Claudia Winkleman's warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite broadcaster of millions and a much-loved household name. If you love brightly coloured clothes, wearing kitten heels, and green eyeshadow then you might not like what Claudia has to say. This is a beautiful book that isnāt preachy, nor is it a serious book. It is a book that will make you smile. It is relatable, clever, and had me strangely wanting to hear more about topics Claudia has feelings on. In presenter Claudia Winklemanās first book she talks about life. From children to husbands, clothes to footwear, celebrities to Strictly, (sorry Iām not a fan), she covers all aspects that she has an opinion on. Itās not a book that you have to read straight through from cover to cover (although I did) but you can dip in, as the layout makes for an easy read. There were so many sections where I was nodding furiously in agreement and just one or two where I skim read, (usually the children focussed ones ā only because I donāt have any and didnāt really relate to it).
Written in a chatty, humorous way ā there are 6 main headings ā all preceded by āQuiteā ā Important (to me); Big; True; Inconvenient; Bossy; and Opinionated (I Know). Included are subheadings of all manner of various subjects and her musings and observations. Claudia Winkleman'sĀ warmth, humour, no-holds-barred attitude and smoky eye have made her the favourite broadcaster of millions and a much-loved household name.Claudia has previously presented four series of The Great British Sewing Bee and was the host of BBC Film. Claudia is also a trustee of Comic Relief and has fronted the live television shows for both Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, along with spin-off shows including Letās Dance for Comic Relief/ Sport Relief and the Comic Relief Danceathon. Describing herself in the opening sentence as āa short, orange woman who occasionally reads out loud on the tellyā, Claudia Winkleman seems unable to quite believe her own success. But this book will further it, though its title does her a disservice. Itās much more than āquiteā good. To borrow a favourite Winkleman word, it is excellent.