The TV host's 8-year-old daughter was involved in a terrifying accident, and the BBC show has confirmed that Zoe Ball will be standing in for Claudia this week
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing have sent its well wishes to Claudia Winkleman and her family after her young daughter was involved in a serious accident after a Halloween fire last week.
The show has confirmed that Zoe Ball will be stepping in again for the popular Strictly host as she looks after eight-year-old Matilda.
In a statement, Strictly told Mirror Celeb: "Zoe Ball will co-host Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. All our thoughts and very best wishes are with Claudia and her family at this time."
Last weekend, Claudia missed Strictly Come Dancing after her daughter was rushed to hospital after a horror accident in which she caught fire at a Halloween party.
It’s thought Matilda's Halloween costume caught alight forcing the TV host to miss the live show, resulting in Zoe Ball taking her place.
A statement issued on behalf of Claudia's family today said: “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 take this opportunity 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.”
On Saturday evening, a BBC spokesperson revealed Claudia’s daughter was unwell but not the full extent of what had occurred.
A spokesperson said: “Claudia can’t be with us tonight.
“One of her children is unwell, we wish them a speedy recovery. Zoe Ball from It Takes To will be stepping in to co-host with Tess.”
Claudia, 42, and film producer Kris Thykier have three children Jake, 11, and Arthur, 3, as well as Matilda.
The couple, who live in London, tied the knot in 2000 and briefly split in 2008 before reuniting.
Claudia took over presenting Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly this series after Bruce Forsyth retired.
The London Fire Brigade revealed that last Halloween there were seven fire-related casualties, none of which were serious.
In 2012 there were six reported casualties, one of which was serious while the year before that 20 people were injured – including five of a serious nature.
Ahead of Halloween this year they released a warning on how to use candles safely.
They warned: “As the scariest time of the year approaches, we are warning people putting candles in carved pumpkins and using decorative Halloween lights to do so safely, to minimise the risk of fire and injury.
“Candles are one of the biggest causes of fires in the home and although they can be used to create a dark and spooky atmosphere, they should never be left unattended or Londoners risk finding a real horror scene on their return.”
Rita Dexter, London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner, 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. Make sure candles are placed well away from flammable items and clothing otherwise the results can be catastrophic.”
