Claudia Winkleman quits Film 2016

Updated
V&A Summer Party - Arrivals
V&A Summer Party - Arrivals

Claudia Winkleman has announced that she has quit Film 2016, saying that it "wasn't an easy decision" to leave the movie review show.

Strictly Come Dancing's co-host succeeded Jonathan Ross on the revamped BBC1 film programme in 2010, alongside film critic Danny Leigh.

On Saturday Winkleman said: "I'm incredibly sad about leaving the film show and it wasn't an easy decision.

"At this time of year I juggle all kinds of things for TV and radio and the show simply deserves someone who can give it their all.

"I'll so miss Danny and the team and will badger them constantly for chats."

Previous hosts of the show - which is not currently on air - include Barry Norman.

Mark Bell, the BBC's head of commissioning, arts, said: "We've loved having Claudia on Film 2016 and I'd like to thank her for all her hard work and commitment to the show."

Winkleman will still be presenting The Great British Sewing Bee and hosting a Radio 2 show.

In 2014, the busy mother of three pledged to continue her other TV commitments after landing the job of Strictly Come Dancing co-host alongside Tess Daly, following the departure Sir Bruce Forsyth.

''I'll make it work,'' she said.

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