Barking up the wrong tree? Crufts 2026 host Claudia Winkleman divides Channel 4 viewers as she makes presenting debut
She has joined the Crufts team!Crufts 2026 viewers have been left rather divided by Claudia Winkleman after she made her presenting debut.
Coverage of the beloved dog show kicked off this week, from the National Exhibition Centre. Past hosts Clare Balding alongside Ellie Simmonds and Radzi Chinyanganya were back to front the programme. And there was a new addition to the line-up too – Claudia Winkleman.
However, viewers had a lot to say about Claudia – and they didn’t hold back…
Claudia Winkleman makes Crufts debut
Across the four-day event at Crufts, more than 18,000 dogs from over 200 breeds will compete for the coveted Best in Show title, with entrants travelling from as far as New Zealand, Peru and Argentina.
Things were looking a tad different this year though, following the arrival of Claudia Winkleman, who HAS joined the show.
The Traitors host met with competitors, chatted to owners and celebrated standout dogs throughout the show.
Claudia rounded off her first day at Crufts by joining the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team to rehearse a choreographed routine. After, Claudia declared: “I’ve had the best day of my life… I quite liked my wedding, this is better.”
Fans ‘really enjoying’ Claudia at Crufts
It didn’t take long for viewers watching Crufts at home to deliver their verdict on new presenter Claudia.
You’re smashing it already Clauds!
Praising the telly star, one person said on X: “Claudia Winkleman has found her calling being at #Crufts She’s a natural with the pooches.”
Another added: “What fun Claudia brings to #Crufts Really enjoying her contribution-she’s so funny.” A third penned: “Beyond obsessed seeing Claudia Winkleman smothering dogs on my tv rn.”
Gushing on Instagram, a fourth fan said: “You’re smashing it already Clauds! So exciting and adorable.”
However, the reception wasn’t all positive.
Get her off!
One disgruntled viewer penned: “I get the feeling that Claudia Winkelman is not a real dog lover. Very insincere and stood well back from that lovely dog.” Someone else wrote: “And NO IDEA how judging works. Terrible.”
A third fumed: “Why does Claudia have to get her face on everything?! Her childish behaviour is not wanted nor appreciated on serious shows like Crufts. It’s tedious, boring and tiresome! Get her off!”
A fourth also wrote: “Why is [bleep] Winkleman talking to dogs like they’re todders.”
Claudia on joining Crufts
The former Strictly Come Dancing host is a proud dog-mum to Cavalier King Charles spaniel Skip.
Previously talking about joining Crufts, she said: “I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be.
“I can’t wait to join this incredible team. I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.”
Her new co-host Clare Balding also welcomed the signing, saying: “I’m really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team. She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style.”
Crufts 2026 starts on Channel 4 on March 5 at 3pm. Coverage continues throughout the week on Channel 4, More4 and the official Crufts YouTube channel. The Best in Show final will air live on Sunday (March 8) at 7pm on Channel 4.
