The eight-year-old was badly burned when she was engulfed in flames while trick or treating on Halloween
Strictly star Claudia Winkleman's daughter, Matilda, is making a recovery in hospital following her Halloween blaze horror.
The eight-year-old was badly burned when she was engulfed in flames while trick or treating on Halloween.
Strictly star Claudia and her partner Kris have been keeping a vigil at the badly burned eight-year-old’s hospital bed since her fancy dress outfit was set alight. It is believed to have come into contact with a pumpkin candle.
They also praised the dedication of staff caring for the stricken youngster in hospital, where she is thought to have already had a number of operations and is expected to be kept on a ward for weeks.
On Wednesday, the child's nanny confirmed Matilda's condition was improving.
She told the Sun: "Matilda is doing great now. She's OK."
Claudia and Kris, both 42, said in a statement: “Our daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night while celebrating Halloween.
“She is having the best care possible and we are hopeful of a full recovery. We would like to thank everyone that has been so supportive and particularly the NHS doctors, nurses and staff who have been absolutely incredible.
“We would like to remind anyone taking part in fireworks parties or Guy Fawkes celebrations to be vigilant about the dangers of candles, open fires and fireworks and to be please have the appropriate safety measures in place and to hand.”
Strictly host Claudia was with Matilda when she was set alight near their West London home. The horrified mum went with her to hospital. A London Ambulance Service spokesman said they were called at 5.23pm on Friday to the scene.
He added: “We sent an ambulance crew, a single responder by car and an advanced paramedic. We treated a child and took her to hospital as a priority.”
Claudia pulled out of Strictly at the weekend and was replaced by Zoe Ball. Viewers were told by the BBC: “Claudia can’t be with us tonight.
“One of her children is unwell, we wish them a speedy recovery. Zoe Ball from It Takes Two will be stepping in to co-host with Tess.” Beeb bosses last night confirmed she will also miss this Saturday’s show.
It is not known when the presenter, who has two other children – Jake, 11, and three-year-old Arthur with film producer Kris– will be back on screen.
Matilda’s terrifying accident came after the London Fire Brigade urged Halloween revellers to be extra vigilant around candles inside carved pumpkins.
Deputy Commissioner Rita Dexter said: “I hope Claudia’s daughter has a speedy recovery after this ordeal.
“It’s a shocking but timely reminder that open flames can be lethal if you don’t keep an eye on them or they are left unattended. Keep candles placed well away from flammable items and clothing otherwise the results can be catastrophic.”
Last year, there were 82 fire-related injuries between Halloween and Bonfire Night – a 37% increase on 2012.
Dozens of revellers each year are injured when cheap, highly inflammable costumes catch light. Safety experts regularly warn parents and adults to ensure the outfits comply with EC standards and are made from flame-retardant material.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said last year 138 people in England were admitted to hospital after their clothing either ignited or melted.
But the Children’s Burns Trust said youngsters like Matilda are rarely victims. The charity’s Kim Davis added: “Although we don’t know the full circumstances of how she came to be hurt it is unusual for children to be injured in this way.
“I have been working for the charity since 1994 and have not come across a case.
“The major causes of injury that we see are children being burnt in scalding baths or hot liquid.
“It is important that people do take the appropriate safety measures, not just at this time of year, but all the time.”
Claudia, who took over as main Strictly host in autumn after Sir Bruce Forsyth quit, has spoken in the past about her children and how she strives to keep them grounded. The star told how she does not even let them watch Strictly. She said: “My kids have never seen me on telly. They don’t know what I do on Strictly.”
She also revealed she does not want them to follow her into showbiz.
However, Matilda had a bit part in the 2013 movie I Give it a Year.
