Claudia Winkleman has cemented her status as one of Britain's most influential television presenters through her distinctive style on the hit BBC series The Traitors. However, the origins of her iconic wardrobe trace back to an unexpected source: former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, whose Eighties power-dressing has served as a key inspiration.
The Stylist's Revelation
Sinead McKeefry, who has worked as Ms Winkleman's personal stylist for two decades, disclosed that Ms Dobson's bold fashion choices from the 1980s played a pivotal role in shaping the presenter's carefully curated aesthetic. This approach masterfully blends high-end luxury items, accessible high-street pieces, and timeless heritage brands to create a unique and recognisable look.
On-Screen Fashion Investment
The monetary value of Claudia Winkleman's television outfits underscores the significance of her sartorial selections. Remarkably, just three episodes into the fourth series of The Traitors, the combined worth of the ensembles she wore on screen had already surpassed an impressive £16,400.
During the series' opening episode this year, the 54-year-old presenter showcased a £279 purple velvet blazer from Jigsaw, paired with a £179 retro-style pink blouse from LK Bennett. This specific combination bore a striking resemblance to an outfit famously worn by Anita Dobson during the early years of the beloved BBC soap opera.
Dramatic Finale Tribute
The stylistic homage continued into the programme's dramatic Friday finale. For this episode, Ms Winkleman selected a £199 Holland Cooper Featherton lace shirt, which she layered beneath her trusted £2,750 Saint Laurent silk-satin blazer. This ensemble constituted another deliberate nod to Ms Dobson's influential fashion legacy.
Inspiration Beyond the Soap
The creative inspiration drawn from Anita Dobson extends beyond her tenure on EastEnders. Claudia Winkleman was also seen wearing a sophisticated green tweed blazer that closely mirrored one the soap star chose for a charity lunch event in 2024, demonstrating the enduring and evolving nature of this fashion influence.
Dobson's Delighted Response
Anita Dobson, now 76, expressed her delight at being recognised as a style muse. 'I am absolutely thrilled to even be noticed by [Claudia],' she remarked. The actress, who appeared on EastEnders from 1985 to 1988, went on to analyse the presenter's signature look.
'She likes clean lines, doesn't she? Like with her fringe and the cut of her hair. She always looks very chic and slightly French. Claudia loves a smoky eye, and I like [it], too, and I am deeply into vintage,' Ms Dobson observed, highlighting their shared appreciation for classic elegance.
She also praised Ms Winkleman's adept use of monochrome, noting, 'When everything else is dark, you've got to have a bit of light.' This comment underscores the thoughtful composition and contrast that characterise the presenter's most stylish appearances.
The revelation provides fascinating insight into the creative process behind one of British television's most watched and discussed wardrobes, linking two iconic figures from different eras of entertainment through a shared commitment to distinctive, powerful style.
