Claudia Winkleman feared BBC bosses thought she was 'useless' after Strictly spoiler leak

Claudia Winkleman feared BBC bosses thought she was "absolutely useless" after she accidentally leaked the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.

The presenter revealed the Strictly producers use code names when discussing contestants before they're announced to stop any leaks. And it's not until the names are officially announced that the cast get "really excited".

However, back in 2006, while hosting the spin-off show It Takes Two, Claudia was handed a list of stars along with their bios. Shortly after, she unwittingly disclosed the full line-up to a colleague.

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In her memoir Quite, Claudia recounts the incident: "I was eager and ready to do my research (when I say 'research', I mean watch EastEnders for hours, getting on Wikipedia while holding a pen), and on leaving the BBC I jumped in a lift. Someone (friendly, smiley, rucksack) asked if I knew who was going to be in the cast."

"I rattled off the list and the next day he told everyone on his floor (not his fault, mine) and they decided that I was absolutely useless at keeping a secret. I'm pretty sure they now tell Tess (Daly) weeks before me. I'm like a toddler with a dicky tummy - not good at keeping anything in."

Claudia also shared that to maintain secrecy around the celebrities' identities, code names often include cartoon characters, leading to "excellent conversations" about whether "Daffy Duck or Cinderella would dance first", reports Lancs Live.

Claudia, who is celebrating her 53rd birthday today, was the host of It Takes Two from 2004 to 2010. She later took over as the main show's host alongside Tess Daly after the retirement of the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.

The 22nd series of Strictly concluded last month with comedian Chris McCausland winning the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Despite the show's popularity, with millions tuning in each week, Claudia insists that the team doesn't take this for granted.

"That would be stupid, arrogant, and deeply uncool," she comments. Instead, she reveals there's a sense of "anticipation" as viewers eagerly await the celebrities' first dance.

In addition to Strictly, Claudia also presents The Traitors on BBC and Channel 4's The Piano. The Traitors is currently airing on BBC One on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.