Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman has shared a rare and emotional glimpse into her family life, revealing the profound heartbreak she experienced when her eldest child left home for university.
The Emotional Toll of an Empty Nest
During a candid conversation on the Postcards From Midlife Podcast with hosts Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin, the television personality confessed she handles her children growing up 'very badly'. The discussion centred on the challenges of parenting as children mature and gain independence.
Winkleman, who shares three children with her husband, film producer Kris Thykier, was particularly affected when her son Jake moved out to begin his university studies in 2022. 'I felt heartbroken,' she admitted openly. Despite her feelings, she acknowledged the importance of letting go, stating, 'But it's not fair on him for me to just keep him here with me all the time.'
Remembering Family Life and Letting Go
She fondly recalled the rhythms of their daily life together, which included sharing three meals a day and her attempts to broaden his musical horizons. 'Just having three meals a day and me looking in his eyes and going, 'I'm not being funny but if you love that Rolling Stones album would you consider listening to this Led Zeppelin song,'' she shared, offering a touching insight into their mother-son bond.
Winkleman recognised that her son's desires had naturally shifted towards his own life and friends. She philosophically concluded, 'He doesn't want to do that. He wants to be with his friends. Roots and wings and all that, you have to give them both.' This difficult transition brought back memories of her own departure for university and her mother's emotional reaction. 'I remember my mum dropping me off at university and she could not stop crying,' Winkleman recalled.
A Universal Parenting Challenge
In a separate interview with Grazia magazine earlier this year, the Strictly host delved deeper into the subject of motherhood. When asked about the most difficult aspect of parenting, her answer was immediate and heartfelt: 'them leaving'. She described the experience as 'horrendous'.
With her two older children, Jake and Matilda, now both pursuing higher education, Winkleman expressed a sentiment many parents will recognise. She remarked on the surprising lack of preparation for this milestone, saying, 'I don't understand why they don't have that in the baby books, along with all the advice about breastfeeding and how to steam a butternut squash.'
Despite vowing to be braver than her own mother had been, Claudia Winkleman confessed that she, too, ultimately 'fell apart' when the moment came, simply because 'they're my life'. The presenter is known for fiercely protecting her family's privacy, making these candid revelations about her personal struggles with her children growing up particularly poignant for her fans.
