In a festive stunt that has left fans seeing double, television presenter Kate Garraway has undergone a remarkable transformation to become the spitting image of fellow star Claudia Winkleman. The 58-year-old Good Morning Britain host took part in Heat magazine's annual light-hearted feature, which sees celebrities dress up as other famous faces to recreate the year's most iconic images.
A Striking Doppelgänger
Garraway's chosen persona was none other than the enigmatic host of BBC's smash-hit show The Traitors, Claudia Winkleman, 53. The two share a connection through the show's celebrity edition, which Kate herself competed on. To achieve the uncanny likeness, Kate sported a raven-black wig, meticulously styled to replicate Claudia's signature heavy fringe. She then donned an identical chic dark poncho and fingerless gloves, capturing one of Winkleman's standout looks from Celebrity Traitors.
The attention to detail was extraordinary. Kate copied Claudia's sly expression and exact pose, complete with a prop owl perched on her arm. The final, essential touch was the application of Winkleman's beloved thick black eyeliner, which Kate admitted she applied herself, working hard to perfect the iconic look.
The Effort Behind the Illusion
Speaking about the process, Kate revealed the lengths she went to in order to nail the transformation. She had the hair stylist repeatedly adjust the fringe until it was a perfect match. "We have the same hairdresser, so I've had many a chat about Claudia's hair," Garraway shared. "I'm obsessed with fringes. I've tried one myself, but I didn't look cool and edgy like Claudia – more like my mum had cut it for school!"
Upon seeing the finished photographs, the mother-of-two said she was left utterly "flabbergasted" by the resemblance. She expressed hope that Claudia would view it as a tribute, saying, "I hope Claudia sees this as a homage to her fabulousness and doesn't now think, 'Now I've got to change my look because of how ridiculous Kate looks!' She's iconic and BBC's The Traitors is iconic."
A Bittersweet Festive Season
The fun-filled shoot came with a poignant backdrop for Kate, who is facing her first Christmas without her husband, Derek Draper, following his tragic death in January 2024 at the age of 56. "This Christmas, we'll be at mine without Derek for the first time, after spending last year at my brother's," she reflected. "I'm sure it will be emotional, but Christmas is like that, isn't it? You think about the people you've lost and make the most of who's around you."
Despite the heartache, she highlighted the joy the Heat project brought her, stating, "The reaction to our version was amazing... It showed me the benefit of playing, laughing and having fun."
Other Star Transformations
Garraway was not the only star to get involved in Heat's festive feature. Hits Radio Breakfast presenters Fleur East, James Barr, and Will Best also participated, with Fleur transforming into global superstar Beyoncé. The 38-year-old wore a stunning replica of Queen Bey's plunging white bodysuit and chaps from the Cowboy Carter tour, while James and Will dressed as her backing dancers.
Meanwhile, Love Island star Helena Ford channelled pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, recreating the singer's risqué BRIT Awards performance in red sequinned lingerie. Helena, whose heart rate challenge in the villa featured Sabrina's hit 'Espresso', said of the experience, "I absolutely loved dressing up as Sabrina – she's a little pocket rocket. She's an icon, so to even try and look remotely like her was fab."
