Claudia Winkleman received a standing ovation when she returned to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ on Saturday evening (22.11.14).
The 42-year-old presenter has been absent from the BBC One dancing competition for the past three weeks as she cared for her eight-year-old daughter, Matilda, who was seriously burnt after her Halloween costume caught on fire last month.
However, when co-host Tess Daly opened last night’s show, she said: "Hello and welcome to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and of course, a big welcome back to Claudia."
Following rapturous applause and the audience rising to their feet to praise the mother-of-three, Claudia expressed appreciation for the support from viewers during the tough period, and thanked presenter Zoe Ball who filled in for her on the star-studded talent contest.
She said: "Thank you so much. It is wonderful to be here, a huge thanks to Zoe for stepping in."
On Friday (21.11.14), the star took to Twitter to urge fans to "bear with me" as she returned to the programme after a tough few weeks, now that her daughter is believed to have been discharged from hospital.
In a series of messages, she wrote: "Matilda is doing well and although it will be a long road to recovery, she is getting… The best possible care. Thank you so much for your lovely messages – they meant everything.
"I’m coming back to Strictly this weekend but am out of practice so please bear with me."
Claudia Winkleman receives Strictly Come Dancing applause
