BBC presenter Claudia Winkleman has offered a candid and relatable glimpse into her personal health battles, confessing that years of poor posture and a severe eyesight condition have left her feeling like she is "falling apart".
A Lifelong Posture Problem Addressed
The 53-year-old host of hit shows like The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing explained that decades of not "standing up straight" have taken a significant toll. During an appearance on Gabby Logan's The Mid.Point podcast, Winkleman humorously described her physique, stating, "My body is made entirely of crepe."
She revealed she has now taken proactive steps by enlisting a personal trainer to build strength, particularly focusing on her core and back. "I've got a bad back and I need some form of strength," she admitted. The trainer identified that she had never properly engaged her latissimus dorsi muscles – the large 'lats' in the back – leading to her shoulders being permanently raised near her neck.
Winkleman likened her habitual stance to that of a "turtle", adding that she had never liked the "cocky" look of standing up straight. To counter this, she now regularly attends Pilates sessions. "I go to Pilates and they try and open me up. When they do... it feels alien," she shared.
Ongoing Battle with Severe Myopia
In the same frank discussion, Winkleman provided an update on her long-standing struggle with myopia, or short-sightedness. This common condition, which the NHS states makes distant objects appear blurred, has caused her significant practical problems.
The TV star disclosed that her severe myopia has led to mishaps including walking into walls and difficulties with driving and reading. Despite undergoing two eye operations, she still faces challenges. "Because I was so short-sighted, by them fixing it, I'm not long-sighted, so I can't really read anymore," she explained.
Fortunately, specially tailored glasses with a 2.5 prescription now aid her reading. Her eyesight issues have not hindered her successful broadcasting career, which spans from Strictly since 2004 to presenting The Piano on Channel 4 and a long stint on BBC Radio 2.
Looking Ahead to The Traitors Return
Despite these personal health concerns, Claudia Winkleman's professional schedule remains as busy as ever. Fans can next see her presenting the hugely popular BBC reality series The Traitors, which returns for its fourth civilian series.
The first episode of the new series is scheduled to air on BBC1 and iPlayer on New Year's Day at 8pm. The mum-of-three's openness about her health journey highlights a down-to-earth side to one of the UK's most beloved television personalities.
