Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman has been married to film producer Kris Thykier since 2000 and the couple share three children together
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
08:00, 06 Nov 2025
Claudia Winkleman does one thing that ‘almost makes her husband burst into tears’(Image: Getty)
Claudia Winkleman has revealed that her evening routine often leaves her husband Kris Thykier on the verge of tears. The couple, who have been married since 2000 and share three children, seem to have a bone of contention when it comes to Claudia’s love for baths and towels.
Speaking on the SheerLuxe podcast, the 53-year-old presenter shared her ideal relaxing scenario, which involves a bath melt and wrapping herself in numerous towels – much to Kris’s dismay.
In 2023, Claudia elaborated: “I like a bath, and I’m not just saying it again, I like a bath melt. We’ve created a new bath melt.
“I like to go in there. I like a book, I like hair up, I like a clip, then I like to wrap myself like a yeti in 17 towels that I’m never going to hang up.
“I’ve been married for 23 years, it makes him almost burst into tears but I can’t help it. I want to help him but somehow I can’t.”
Claudia Winkleman says one thing she does almost makes her husband cry(Image: Getty)
“They’re like little atolls all around the room. Just small, damp threadbare areas that he has to tiptoe around, what are you going to do.”
The Strictly Come Dancing host also previously joked about a peculiar turn-off, warning Kris she would “sleep with his brother” if he did something she found extremely unattractive.
During an appearance on Room 101 with comedian Paul Merton, Claudia revealed: “I don’t think I could have sex with somebody who had a very strict system when it came to loading the dishwasher. I’m just, it goes in, it comes out, everyone please relax.”
Elaborating on her domestic pet peeve, she continued, “So yeah, I’d find that quite tiresome. My husband is much cleaner than I am, he once said ‘babe, you know where we keep the mustard’, and I was like, I’m happy to call [counselling charity] Relate, don’t touch me.
“I think this might be one of the most unattractive things ever.”
Claudia previously joked she would sleep with Kris’ brother if he did one thing(Image: Getty)
When Paul pressed her about how deep her aversion to organisation runs, noting that kitchens typically have designated spots for plates or smaller dishes, Claudia responded: “I’m not wild.
“I’m not playing Frisbee, I’ll put them in. But if one goes skew-whiff, and he came up and went, ‘well that’s never going to work’ then I’m going to sleep with your brother.”
Claudia returns to BBC One tonight at 9pm for the dramatic conclusion of Celebrity Traitors. The finale will see Traitors Alan Carr and Cat Burn compete against Faithfuls Nick Mohammed, Joe Marler and David Olusoga.
Following the programme, she’ll join comedian Ed Gamble on BBC Two for The Celebrity Traitors Uncloaked.
