Claudia Winkleman’s ‘savage’ Strictly dig despite contestant’s tears: ‘Harsh!’

Claudia was one of the celebrity guests on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel last night at 7:55pm on BBC One. The comedian’s Saturday night game show sees three contestants hope to answer their way to a fortune, with the help of seven celebrity guests. Though the famous faces must try their best to help one of them win big, their fortune all depends on the spin of The Wheel.

The celebrity guests who joined Michael McIntyre for last night’s show were grime artist Big Narstie, comedian Alex Brooker, presenter Gabby Logan, performer Debbie McGee, Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing and Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant.

Claudia, who has been presenting Strictly’s Saturday night show alongside Tess Daly for seven years, also took part in Michael’s BBC game show.

The broadcaster is known for her characteristic fringe and quippy, sarcastic presenting style.

However, on one occasion Claudia may have gone too far, and was considered “savage” and “harsh” by Strictly watchers for making a dig at one of the contestants from 2019, despite their tears.

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CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual took part in the 17th series of the show, partnered with Amy Dowden, and received the first perfect 40 points of the series for their Jive in Week 11.

The pair ended up runners-up in the competition.

However, Karim made “two big mistakes” while performing the Viennese Waltz to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Give Me Love’ one week.

The presenter was clearly not happy with his own performance, and looked to the floor as the judges picked up on a couple of blunders he made during the routine.

Claudia responded: “No it happens, and you said to me earlier it was your least favourite dance.”

Wiping his eyes, Karim said: “It was a tough one. Sorry, I don’t know why I’m getting upset”.

A little later in the show Claudia made a “shady comment” that was laughed off by those in the studio, but picked up by Strictly fans.

With those that survived the public vote heading to Blackpool the next week, Claudia spoke to American DJ Michelle Visage about Blackpool rock, a famous sweet that can be purchased at the seaside town.

Claudia then turned to the emotional Karim and said: “We’ll also have Blackpool rock, and if you’re not there we’ll bring some back. 

“I don’t mean that.”

Karim and the other contestant laughed off the comment, while some of the dancers including Giovanni Pernice and Oti Mabuse appeared a little shocked. 

Strictly viewers also took to Twitter to react to the dig.

Twitter user CJEccott said: “That line from Claudia genuinely had me in stitches.”

Meanwhile Olly_Michael96 tweeted: “Claudia Winkleman was SAVAGE just then.”

Twitter user BrettHadley42 also said: “Claudia was just BRUTAL to Karim with her comment about bringing rock back *if they’re not there*… harsh much!”

Watch Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel tonight at 7:55pm on BBC One.

source: express.co.uk