Claudia Winkleman unrecognisable as she shares candid post-surgery post: ‘I’m eternally grateful’
TV presenter Claudia Winkleman has revealed she recently underwent eye surgery, and will have to forgo her signature heavy eyeliner as she recovers.
The Traitors host shared a photo with a medical professional on Friday night, looking noticeably different without her usual smoky eye make‑up and tan.
In the caption, the 53‑year‑old expressed her gratitude, writing: “This amazing human makes me see. He’s operated on my eyes before and he did it again today. No eyeliner for weeks and I sleep in goggles (no words) but I’m eternally grateful.”
She added: “Do NOT zoom in on my left eye – it’s wonky. Thank you Julian. I paid for the treatment, this isn’t an ad. I just love him. It’s very possible I’m still a bit sedated. Night, night.”
The post drew a wave of support from friends and fans alike.
Gogglebox star Izzi Warner quipped, “We still have the costume and Bobby is willing to wear the eye liner for you if you need a stand‑in, Claudia! Happy healing.”
Drag Race UK’s Baga Chipz added: “You look beautiful, Claudia,” while another follower shared their own experience with the same doctor, saying: “
He did my eye surgery about 8 years ago! Played rock music as he did it. He told me it would be life‑changing and he was right. Amazing man!”
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Winkleman recently opened up about her ongoing battle with myopia, revealing the extent of her struggles with the chronic eye condition.
The host has been candid about her deteriorating vision despite undergoing numerous operations.
Winkleman’s health news comes just days after she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours, alongside Strictly co‑host Tess Daly, for their services to broadcasting.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour,” she said. “It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them.
“So this is for the BBC, The Traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha‑cha. I will buy a hat and am taking my mum. I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso doble.”
Born and raised in London, Claudia studied History of Art at Cambridge before launching her media career.
She presented a range of BBC television and radio programmes, including Comic Relief, The Great British Sewing Bee, and her own shows on Radio 2 such as Hot Gossip and The Claudia Winkleman Arts Show.
In 2004, she joined BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, starting out as the host of its companion show It Takes Two before joining Tess Daly as a main presenter in 2014, following Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure.
Today, she is one of the BBC’s best‑loved presenters, as well as the host of the Bafta‑winning game show The Traitors.
She is set to return for its charity spin‑off, The Celebrity Traitors, where 19 famous faces – including comedian Alan Carr, actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry, and Olympic diver Tom Daley – will compete for victory in the Scottish Highlands.