Despite working on the same project, Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never met in person. But they’ve already found a way to secretly communicate behind the scenes.
Alan Cumming is fronting the BAFTAs this year(Image: BAFTA/Rachell Smith)
They may front the same hit reality series on opposite sides of the Atlantic, The Traitors, but Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman have never actually met. However, they’ve already found a way to bond.
“Isn’t it nuts?” Alan says. “We might be the same person because you’ve never seen us in the same room. We have mutual friends and nearly met years ago.
Since 2022, Claudia has been the face of The Traitors UK, filmed in Alan’s homeland of Scotland. A year later, Alan donned his trademark cape to host the American version of the hit BBC series.
Though their paths haven’t crossed in person, there’s already a quiet camaraderie between the two. “We were the guinea pigs for the show so there was some trepidation about doing something new,” Alan says. “We leave messages for each other on the make-up mirror.”
The pair nearly came face-to-face when Alan thought of promoting the first season of his US Traitors on Claudia’s BBC Radio 2 show. “I realised I’d have to get up at 4am because I was in New York,” he says. “Sorry, Claudia. I love – but not that much!”
Claudia Winkleman and Alan Cumming host The Traitors on different sides of the Atlantic – but they’ve never met(Image: PA)
The perfect opportunity to meet might be just around the corner as tomorrow, Alan, 60, will host the British Academy Television Awards, where The Traitors UK is nominated for major prizes.
“It’s like going to a massive showbiz wedding,” Alan says. “That’s the thing about getting older – these events become reunions.” He is genuinely rooting for the team behind The Traitors UK, many of whom also work on the American version. “It’s great because Studio Lambert make my version too, I really like them.”
Alan’s working on a new programme with producers. “I have a production deal at Universal and there’s a show we’re trying to get together.” But first, the BAFTAS. “It’s like throwing a party,” he says. “I like having gatherings and celebrating people.”
This one, however, is no casual gathering. “I didn’t realise I have to introduce 23 presenters,” he says. “I’ve hosted awards where I’ve had a different look every time I came out but that would be exhausting.”
His excitement isn’t just professional. With Baby Reindeer leading the TV nominations, Alan is looking forward to hanging out with fellow Scot Richard Gadd.
“I’m excited to see him,” he says. “I sat next to him at the Emmys – we were two men in kilts and between us we won five awards. It was a good night for Scotland.”
Alan once met Richard Gadd, so it’s no surprise he’s looking forward to seeing him again at the BAFTAs, where Baby Reindeer is in the run-in for more accolades (Image: Ed Miller/Netflix)
Alan’s connection to The Traitors runs deep – he also contributes to the scripts, shaping the tone of the show. “I understand what’s needed at certain points,” he says, “As you get older, you have a few strings to your bow and occasionally, one job plucks all your strings.”
That doesn’t make his job any easier. His biggest challenge? Keeping a straight face. “Sometimes, I think I’m being implacable but I’m actually rolling my eyes or gasping,” he says. “It’s been my biggest challenge.”
Outside the castle, Alan’s schedule is just as full. He recently made a guest appearance in Doctor Who and he’s prepping for a return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nightcrawler, his first time reprising the role since 2003.
“I’m a little achy from doing my stunt training,” he admits. “It’s amazing when things come back into your life. If you live long enough, all things return but there’ll also be new things that augment them.”
And when he’s not working, Alan is an avid telly viewer. “Adolescence was incredible and I watched White Lotus but that’s like having a Christmas dinner – everybody’s got to do it,” he says. “And I love watching classic old movies.”
