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Claudia Winkleman returns to Strictly Come Dancing following daughter's accident


November 21, 2014
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Claudia Winkleman will return to our TV screens this Saturday after a three week absence from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. A representative from the BBC confirmed the news, after the TV presenter had taken several weeks off to care for her young daughter Matilda who was badly injured in a recent Halloween accident.

The eight-year-old's costume caught fire while she was out trick-or-treating in London with her mum, and was consequently hospitalised with severe burns.

claudia winkleman1 © Photo: BBC

Claudia had been replaced by Zoe Ball who presents Strictly's spin-off show  It Takes Two.

At the time Claudia and her family released a statement which read: "Our daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night while celebrating Halloween. She is having the best care possible and we are hopeful of a full recovery.

"We would like to thank everyone that has been so supportive and particularly NHS doctors, nurses and staff who have been absolutely incredible.

zoe ball

This is Claudia's first year hosting the show with Tess Daly, after Sir Bruce Forsyth decided to step down.

However Zoe proved a Twitter sensation when she joined Tess three weeks ago, with one viewer tweeting: "Zoe Ball should have this gig every week".

 Another commented: "Totally chuffed for @ZoeTheBall getting loads of love for her stint on Strictly. Effortlessly cool & funny, she should be on the telly more."

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