BBC The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman's life off-screen with famous royal relative

Claudia Winkleman will return to host The Traitors for series three on New Year's Day, but off camera the Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter has a link to the royal family

Hit TV series The Traitors returns tonight and Claudia Winkleman will once again be on hosting duties.

The presenter, 52, is returning for series three of the BBC show as 25 new hopefuls battle it out for the £120k prize. And as fans lap up the drama on the small screen, Claudia's time off camera is fascinating too.

Due to a relative, Claudia actually has linked to the royal family. Through Claudia’s sister Sophie Winkleman, the Strictly star is technically related to royalty. Her actress half-sibling, who could be best recognised for her role as Big Suze on Peep Show, is related through their father, Barry.

Sophie, who has also appeared on the likes of Death in Paradise and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, married into royalty in 2009. She tied the knot with Lord Frederick Windsor, who is the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. He is the second cousin of King Charles III and is currently 53rd in the line of succession to the British throne.

Claudia's marriage to film producer Kris Thykier took place in 2000. They have went on to have three kids together, Jake, Matilda and Arthur. She previously opened up about their relationship. Opening up about the moment she knew he was the one, she told OK! Magazine that she fell completely head over heels for Kris thanks to his kind nature and impeccable manners - and his incredible bedroom skills. "What did it for me was how he behaved in restaurants, bars and planes – indeed, simply around people. 'Thanks so much', 'no rush', 'I'll carry it over for you', 'here, have a drink on us'.

"Having been a waitress every school holiday from the age of 16, it was just that magic characteristic that tipped me over," she explained. She added that he always asks the cab driver how his day is going, and that he'll never take up a seat on the London Underground.

Talking to Red Magazine, she also explained how their busy schedules are made to work for them both. "Working too hard puts a strain on – but we're still working hard now," she said. "We don't have rules, but we look after each other more. So, whoever comes home first normally makes the dinner. It's just about being nice to each other." Talking amid the release of her new book Quite in 2020, Claudia also revealed she sometimes feels pressure on her relationship after seeing other couples gush over one another on social media.

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