Claudia Winkleman has made an enthusiastic debut presenting Crufts, declaring the world-renowned dog show superior to her own nuptials. The television personality remarked, "I quite liked my wedding, this is better," as coverage of the event commenced on Channel 4 on Thursday.
Winkleman described her initial experience at the Birmingham NEC as "the best day of my life."
Her first day saw her immerse herself in the action, joining the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team during their choreographed routine rehearsal. Speaking to fellow presenter Clare Balding, Winkleman shared her immediate bond with one of the dogs: "This is Honey, and we have bonded. And I, Clare, I’m just going to be honest with you, have had the best day of my life."
When Balding enquired if she would be performing, Winkleman playfully responded, "Clare, are you ready to be both appalled and alarmed?" She then attempted to participate in the synchronised routine alongside a line of golden retrievers and their handlers, though she visibly struggled to keep pace and elicit commands from Honey. Balding observed, "I think it’s safe to say there’s work to be done, Claud."
Beyond Winkleman’s spirited involvement, the opening day featured other memorable moments, including a Canadian Inuit dog named Kuku making off with Clare Balding’s mobile phone during an interview with double Olympic gold-winning skeleton racer Matt Weston.
Britain’s Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden also made an appearance, engaging in a light-hearted exchange with Winkleman about their pets.
After The Traitors host mentioned giving her dog, Skip, a "French kiss," Holden countered with her own unusual pet habits: "I bathe with my dog."
Holden further revealed that she often chooses to sleep in the same bed as her dogs, much to the chagrin of her husband, Chris Hughes. "If he sees the dogs, he goes in the spare room," she explained. "He can’t sleep with them there, so I often choose to sleep with the dogs."
Coverage of Crufts is set to continue on Channel 4 until the show concludes on Sunday.
