A recently uncovered photo from 1990 reveals a very different Claudia Winkleman during her days as a Cambridge University student. The Strictly Come Dancing presenter, now 53, appears almost unrecognisable, missing the trademark black hair, fringe, and heavy eyeliner that have become synonymous with her polished TV persona.
At age 18, Claudia was a fresh-faced student at Murray Edwards College, sporting long, natural hair and minimal makeup. Her now-famous fringe—a style once voted “the most annoying haircut on TV” and subject to viewer complaints—had not yet made an appearance.
Claudia has openly discussed the practical reasons behind her distinctive fringe. Battling severe myopia since birth, with vision measured at around minus 15, she explains that her fringe helps mask her poor eyesight. “I couldn’t agree more [that my fringe is bad],” she told Good Housekeeping. “But basically I’ve got such bad eyesight, I can’t see it anyway, so it’s not a problem.”
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Her vision challenges have been a constant throughout her life, even after undergoing multiple operations. Claudia shared on the How To Fail podcast how her blurred vision shapes her experience: “I want to live in fuzzy world. I don’t want to live in perfect land.” Despite her sight problems, she continues to work in television, admitting in 2021 to The Sun that reading the autocue on Strictly can be difficult. “I can’t even begin to tell you how blind I am. It’s embarrassing.”
Her fringe, while a style statement, doubles as a practical accessory that helps Claudia manage the effects of severe myopia, making it an integral part of her television identity and personal comfort.