The BBC's long-running Film show has found a new presenter, following the departure of Jonathan Ross after 11 years. It's Claudia Winkleman, best known for presenting It Takes Two, Strictly Come Dancing's companion series. That's a big surprise I could never have predicted, and surely signals a huge change of direction for the show, which will return to BBC1 in September with a brand new format.
Winkleman will be joined by various experts and studio guests every week, so it sounds like Film 2010 will resemble The Culture Show focused on films. My immediate reaction to Claudia's appointment isn't good, mainly because I wasn't even aware she had any interest in film. And even if she does love her films, she's certainly not an authority on them. But maybe the BBC just want someone entertaining who can draw in a bigger crowd (in a primetime slot, finally?), who'll just be a conduit for the experts tom pass judgement -- meaning Film 2010 may resemble the Newsnight Review, with Winkleman as Kirsty Wark?
I just can't see Claudia Winkleman giving an informed opinion on, say, Precious, in the manner of Jonathan Ross or his predecessor Barry Norman. She's too lightweight and scatterbrained for that, isn't she? Mind you, Claudia apparently already hosting an arts show on BBC Radio 2, which covers film, theatre, TV and music, so maybe she's more qualified for this job than her TV work implies? I haven't heard her radio show, so I really can't say. Has anyone else?
Claudia Winkleman, on her appointment:
"Everyone has an opinion on film and I'm looking forward to debating the biggest news and releases with a whole variety of guests each week. I am completely over the moon about being given this enormous honour and am incredibly proud to be to be presenting the new look Film 2010. It's an honour to follow on from the brilliant Jonathan Ross. I have been lucky enough to cover the BAFTAs and present the UK broadcasts of the Oscars and the Golden Globes for years and now to be able to work with the producers on Film 2010 is just amazing."What do you think? Is Claudia the right person for the job, who will surprise us with her level of knowledge and expertise? Or is she just a bubbly personality the BBC need to provide work for, who's been hired to make Film more appealing and frothy for mass consumption?
