FANS of Claudia Winkleman were largely saying the same thing about her new programme, The Claudia Winkleman Show.
The popular television presenter, 54, stepped down from co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly last year to explore new endeavours in her career.
But it appears viewers aren’t the happiest with her new self-titled show, which aired its first episode last night in Graham Norton‘s usual slot while his show is off-air between seasons.
Though it isn’t because of anything the charismatic media personality is doing herself in this instance – it’s because of the set’s design.
Taking to X to discuss it, one user said: “Has the studio lighting gone home with Graham Norton? Can’t see who’s talking…!”
A second said: “I love [the show] already but the set design needs to be a different colour, it’s too dark and the colours just don’t go.”
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A third added: “The set is a tad dark and the format is too similar to Graham Norton but The Claudia Winkleman Show has potential.”
Meanwhile other fans have been comparing the show to Graham Norton, feeling in comparison that it “falls flat”.
One viewer noted that the interviews felt unstructured and “all over the place”, with celebrities talking over each other.
Another added that they hated the recorded audience sounds used throughout.
Others shared that they felt the guests “looked bored” and was overall a “set up to fail“.
However, not all viewers were left disappointed, with some already eager for the next instalment.
A happy viewer shared: “I’m already loving Claudia’s new show. The set is fab. They have Tom Raffield light shades and table lamps. I’ve [got] a few in the house but not a table lamp. Gonna want one!”
Another added: “Early days but this is promising. Having Jeff Goldblum as a guest on the 1st show is a blessing!”
A third chimed in “Loved #TheClaudiaWinklemanShow Can’t remember the last time I sat and watched something all the way through without reaching for my phone. @jeffGoldblumMSO a genius booking! Well done @ClaudiaWinkle you can stop being nervous now!”
Claudia’s first episode included a stellar lineup of guests including Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Saunders, Vanessa Williams and Tom Allen.
The show takes on a similar format to Graham Norton’s, with The Traitors icon taking the main chair and the guests sitting together on sofas.
The moody colour scheme of the set is rather Traitors-esque, using deep reds, browns and dark teals.
This blends perfectly with the feel of the show, which is more late-night chat than daytime TV, setting it apart from other shows.
The Claudia Winkleman Show airs on Fridays at 10:40pm on BBC 1.
