Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter Claudia Winkleman says she’s never papped or recognised because she looks so different off the screen.

The 43-year-old works on one of the most glamorous shows in the TV calendar, but there is no fake tan, sequins or sparkle in her daily routine.

She gets on the London Underground with her children every day, and few people ask for an autograph. On one memorable occasion, she was asked to sign “to Annie, from Davina” for a fan who mistook her for fellow presenter Davina McCall.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Tess Daly Claudia Winkleman (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

In addition to work, family is central to her life. “Being a working mum is very difficult,” she told the Radio Times. “When I get fired I’ll have to get a real job. But I’m lucky to get so much time with my kids.”

Her personal life hit the headlines in 2014 when daughter Matilda suffered severe burns after her Halloween costume went up in flames. Since the accident she has campaigned to have the testing standards of children’s costumes amended.

Alongside Tess Daly, she makes up the first female duo on live Saturday night TV, but the girl-power isn’t limited to the front of the camera and she takes pride in this.

“Strictly is run by women, the heads of BBC One and BBC Two are women, as are the chief creative officer of Channel 4 and the head of entertainment at ITV. There are many industries where a woman can’t even get into the room of decision-making. I’m pleased that I work with such a powerful group of great women.”

Claudia Winkleman
Claudia brought home-made brownies to the Strictly dancers (Ian West/PA)

In the wake of constant speculation about the future of the BBC, Winkleman also launched a strong defence of the BBC: “I think the licence fee is excellent value for money, if not just for David Attenborough, Bake Off and the news.”

The last few years have seen the mum-of-three become a household name following her presenting stints on Strictly Come Dancing sister show, It Takes Two. She was promoted to the main series following the departure of long-time host Sir Bruce Forsyth.

She is convinced it’s a fluke if she gets through a show without offending someone or falling over. She joked: “If I manage that, I’m happy.”

The 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 7.15pm on Saturday.