As she prepares to helm BBC Scotland's flagship New Year broadcast for the second consecutive year, presenter Amy Irons has confessed to a serious case of hero worship aimed at one of television's most recognisable faces.
Aiming for the Winkleman Connection
The 34-year-old broadcaster, who will front BBC One Scotland's Hogmanay 2025 show starting at 11.30pm on Wednesday, 31st December, admits she turns "a little green" with admiration for Traitors host Claudia Winkleman. Irons, the daughter of former professional footballer Davie Irons, cites Winkleman's effortless ability to connect with a camera as her gold standard.
"I love Claudia Winkleman," Irons told The Scottish Sun. "Like all the presenters I look up to, whether it is Claudia, Davina McCall or Ant and Dec, they can connect directly with the camera. It's like they're just standing in your living room talking to you."
She revealed that her key professional resolution is to embody that same authentic, off-screen persona when the cameras roll. A BBC staff member's comment after last year's broadcast—that she is the same on-screen as off-screen—remains, for Irons, "the biggest compliment I could get."
The Quest for the Perfect Hogmanay Outfit
A self-described perfectionist, Irons has spent weeks in a fashion frenzy, determined to avoid a wardrobe mishap akin to the infamous "low-slung disaster" suffered by a predecessor in 2001. The process involved a parade of around 15 delivery drivers to her home by the end of November.
She has learned to trust only the women in her life for sartorial advice. "You can never trust dads, boyfriends or brothers," she joked. "Basically any male in my life is not getting asked as they're all useless and just say, 'Yeah, it's nice'. I need a little bit more direction than that."
Her final choice? A green velvet dress with 'Wicked' vibes, a festive nod to the musical's current mania. "It's important because you want to feel comfortable," Irons explained, noting the scrutiny faced by women in the industry. "It's a show with so many eyes on it."
A Scottish House Party to Bring in the Bells
Irons, who also appears on Reporting Scotland: News at Seven, promises viewers a "proper Hogmanay house party" to welcome 2025. The musical line-up is packed with Scottish talent, including sea shanty star Nathan Evans, singer Michelle McManus, and Gaelic rock band Mànran.
Roddy Hart and The Lonesome Fire will act as the house band, ensuring an "endless supply of top Scottish tunes." The night will build to a grand, surprise finale featuring guest singers like Robert Robertson and Georgia Cécile coming together, which Irons promises will be "absolutely incredible."
As she gears up for the big night, supported by her fireman boyfriend Fraser Curran, 35, Amy Irons is focused on delivering a warm, authentic celebration, hoping to channel a little of her idol's magic into Scotland's living rooms.
