Claudia Winkleman, the host of the hit BBC show The Traitors, is known for her sharp wit and even sharper style. However, the price tag of her on-screen wardrobe is causing almost as much drama as the show's infamous murders and betrayals.
A Wardrobe Worth a Small Fortune
Just three episodes into the show's fourth series, which began on New Year's Day, the combined cost of Winkleman's outfits has already reached an eye-watering £16,400. With an average ensemble cost of £5,482, if this trend continues across all twelve episodes, her total clothing bill could soar to approximately £65,784.
To put that figure into perspective, it is nearly double the UK's national average salary of £38,000 for last year. The 53-year-old presenter, with the assistance of her long-time stylist Sinead McKeefry, personally selects each item, curating a mix of luxury designer pieces and the occasional high-street find.
Episode-by-Episode Style Breakdown
The sartorial spectacle began in the series opener. Welcoming contestants to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, Winkleman wore a £279 purple velvet blazer from Jigsaw and a £179 pink blouse from LK Bennett, finishing the look with her favourite £975 Saint Laurent boots.
The next morning, as contestants retrieved coffins from a lake, she braved the elements in a £3,865 Saint Laurent coat and a £425 dark olive tartan shirt from Purdey.
Episode two raised the stakes further. At breakfast, she sported a £650 kilt from Le Kilt, a £385 charcoal vest from Hambro and Miller, and staggering £3,190 leather knee-high boots from The Row. For the day's task, a £1,155 green trench coat from The Landskein kept her warm, before she changed into a £2,218 Saint Laurent velvet jacket for the tense round table.
A Rare High-Street Moment
The most recent episode offered a brief respite from the luxury labels. At breakfast, Winkleman donned a pair of wide-leg trousers from Zara worth just £40. However, she soon returned to form, layering a £595 brown wool coat by Brora over culottes in the afternoon.
For that evening's round table, her outfit included a £225 moss-green waistcoat from Cordings, £150 tailored trousers from Reiss, and black Givenchy boots worth £1,790. A bottle-green shirt from the independent Dulwich boutique Through The Trees completed the ensemble.
Drama Unfolds On-Screen
While Winkleman's fashion choices captivated viewers, the game within Ardross Castle intensified. In Saturday night's episode, the Faithful players secured an early victory by successfully banishing barrister Hugo at the round table. The 51-year-old was ousted after fellow Traitor Stephen, 32, delivered a decisive vote against him, following the murder of another Faithful, Ben.
The mystery of the Secret Traitor's identity is set to be revealed in the next episode, airing Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
