Claudia Winkleman’s ‘chaotic’ new BBC show leaves fans questioning who the real host is

Early reviews have landed around the three-star mark, with critics praising the guest line-up but questioning how confidently Winkleman handled the proceedings.

Social media quickly lit up with divided reactions, with some calling the premiere “chaotic” while others urged patience as the show finds its feet.

The biggest gripe from viewers centred on Tom Allen seemingly running the programme while Winkleman faded into the background.

“It was basically the Tom Allen show. Give him the job instead,” one viewer wrote on X, adding that Graham Norton always stays firmly in control of his programme.

Reddit users echoed the sentiment, with one commenting that “Tom Allen ran the show” and warning that future guests might not be able to “basically rule the couch”.

Audience participation segments also drew criticism, with some viewers complaining about what appeared to be planted crowd members popping up to discuss everything from pencils to ghost whispering.

“No offence to the audience, but they’re there to watch,” one viewer argued.

Not everyone was ready to write the show off after just one episode, however.

Many fans jumped to Ms Winkleman’s defence, pointing out that new chat shows often take time to settle.

“Christ, it’s the first episode, of course it’s going to be rough,” one Reddit user wrote. “Give her and the show time to find its voice.”

Others were far more positive, with one viewer calling it “light, daft and Claudia’s doing exactly what she does best”.

Guest Tom Allen himself appeared delighted to take part, posting on Instagram that it was “FABULOUS to be part of!”

One reviewer described the programme as “a witty affair with brilliant potential”.

The show comes from the same production company behind The Graham Norton Show, which may explain why some viewers spotted similarities in the format.

Ms Winkleman is effectively filling Norton’s off-season slot.

Before the premiere, she admitted she was nervous about the challenge.

“I’m obviously going to be awful, that goes without saying, but I’m over the moon they’re letting me try,” she said.

Next week’s line-up features Rachel Zegler, former One Direction star Niall Horan, and comedians Joanne McNally and Guz Khan.