Claudia Winkleman has revealed that a horrific accident involving her eight-year-old daughter kept her from her presenting duties on Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend.The TV star had to rush her little girl Matilda to hospital after an incident at a Halloween party – it's thought that her Halloween costume may have caught alight.
It meant that Claudia was absent from Saturday's live show and Sunday's results, and may well be missing from screens for a number of weeks as her daughter recovers."Our daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night while celebrating Halloween," Claudia and her family said in a statement. "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. "We would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone taking part in fireworks parties or Guy Fawkes celebrations to be vigilant about the dangers of candles, open fires and fireworks and to please have the appropriate safety measures in place and to hand."
On Saturday evening, a BBC spokesperson revealed that Claudia's daughter was unwell, but not the full extent of what had occurred. "Claudia can't be us tonight," the rep said. "One of her children is unwell, we wish them a speedy recovery. Zoe Ball from It Takes Two will be stepping in to co-host with Tess. "Claudia and her husband Kris Thykier have three children together; Jake, Arthur and Matilda.