Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has been married to Kris Thykier for 25 years
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
13:10, 15 Nov 2025
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman’s heartbreak after ‘separation’ in rare family admission(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Claudia Winkleman previously revealed the emotional toll of a huge change in the family, admitting it left her “in tears”.
The Strictly Come Dancing presenter, who shares three children with husband Kris Thykier, confessed she struggled to cope when their firstborn, Jake, flew the nest in 2022.
Speaking on the Postcards From Midlife Podcast, Claudia was asked by hosts Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin about the difficulty of letting go as her children grow up.
In response, Claudia admitted: “I handle it very badly. One is at university and I felt heartbroken. But it’s not fair on him for me to just keep him here with me all the time.”
Lou and Mick made their debut this year(Image: Jeff Spicer, Getty Images for BFI)
She went on to share a glimpse into their home life, saying: “Just having three meals a day and me looking in his eyes and going, ‘I’m not being funny but if you love that Rolling Stones album would you consider listening to this Led Zeppelin song.'”, reports the Daily Star.
However, Claudia acknowledged that Jake needed his independence, adding: “He doesn’t want to do that. He wants to be with his friends. Roots and wings and all that, you have to give them both.”
She was sent to prison in July(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Reflecting on her own experience of leaving home, Claudia recalled: “I remember my mum dropping me off at university and she could not stop crying.”
Despite promising herself she wouldn’t react the same way, Claudia confessed: “I said to myself, ‘I won’t do that and I’ll be brave.’ Of course, I fell apart because they’re my life.”
Claudia typically shields her family from public attention, but has occasionally revealed glimpses into their lives over the years. In January, the presenter discussed her eldest children’s university journey and disclosed a new rule she’s implemented regarding her television work.
The soap could be welcoming her back(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Sky Atlantic)
Speaking to Grazia magazine, the Strictly Come Dancing host opened up about parenthood. When questioned about the toughest aspect of raising children, she revealed that “them leaving” was the most challenging part, describing it as “horrendous”.
Her two eldest, Jack and Matilda, have already embarked on their university studies, which Claudia admitted she’s found particularly difficult.
She said: “It’s horrendous. I don’t understand why they don’t have that in the baby books, along with all the advice about breastfeeding and how to steam a butternut squash.”