'It is wonderful to be here': Claudia Winkleman makes a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing after daughter's Halloween accident
Claudia Winkleman made a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night.
'A big welcome back to Claudia,' co-host Tess Daly announced.
'It is wonderful to be here,' the 42-year-old presenter told the audience. 'A huge thank you to Zoe for stepping in.'
Her return comes three weeks after eight-year-old daughter Matilda was left badly burned in a horrific accident on Holloween.
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She's back: Claudia Winkleman (left) made a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing as she joined Tess Daly (right) on Saturday night
Prior to the show Claudia took to Twitter to say that her little girl is slowly getting better but is on the 'long road to recovery' after suffering burns when her costume was set alight by a candle last month
'Hello Twitter. Firstly, a huge thank you to the incredible NHS doctors and nurses who are being extraordinary,' she tweeted.
'We are bowled over by their kindness and brilliance. Matilda is doing well and although it will be a long road to recovery, she is getting the best possible care.
'It is wonderful to be here,' the 42-year-old presenter told the audience, before adding: 'A huge thank you to Zoe for stepping in.'
Strictly stars: The 42-year-old presenter has broken her silence on Twitter to announce she is returning to the BBC One dance contest
Breaks her silence: Claudia took to her Twitter page to update fans on her daughter's progress and announce her return to Strictly Come Dancing
'Thank you so much for your lovely messages - they meant everything. I'm coming back to Strictly this weekend but am out of practice so please bear with me.'
Eight-year-old Matilda is believed to have been badly burnt after an incident involving a candle saw her spooky Halloween costume go up in flames.
A BBC spokesperson also confirmed that she will return to present this weekend's live shows alongside co-host Tess Daly.
Claudia - who began hosting the BBC One celebrity dance contest after Sir Bruce Forsyth stepped down from the role earlier this year - was replaced by spin-off show 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball during her absence.
Last week - when the celebrities and their dance partners travelled to Blackpool to perform at the Tower Ballroom - Tess and Zoe took to Twitter to send their absent friend their best wishes.
Alongside a photograph of her and Zoe, Tess wrote: 'Nearly time for #SCD live from Blackpool with the lovely @ZoeTheBall. @ClaudiaWinkle thinking of you xxxx (sic).'
Injured: Matilda, pictured with her father Kris Thykier, was hurt after her Halloween costume caught fire in an accident on Halloween night
Claudia was rumoured to be returning for the Blackpool show last week but it was later confirmed she was not yet ready to go back to work.
The brunette beauty also has sons Jake and Arthur with husband Kris Thykier.
Claudia has been caring for her daughter for the past three weeks and friends insisted she would not go back to work until Matilda was better.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: 'Getting the gig on Strictly was a dream for Claudia, so it's cruel that she has had to pull out when things were all going so well.
'But she is not going to leave Matilda's side until she is ready.'
Stand-in: It Takes Two host Zoe Ball (left) has filled in for Claudia over the past two weeks
Following the Halloween incident, that saw Matilda's costume catch fire after reportedly brushing against a candle, Claudia and her husband Kris Thykier released a statement while warning about the dangers of Bonfire night.
'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 please have the appropriate safety measures in place and to hand,'
Support: Claudia and husband Kris Thykier have been by their daughter's bedside for the past two weeks
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2845597/It-wonderful-Claudia-Winkleman-makes-sensational-return-Strictly-Come-Dancing-daughter-s-Halloween-accident.html#ixzz3Jq5ydgdG
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