Claudia Winkleman on hosting The Traitors: ‘I’ve never cried on television – I was inconsolable’

It’s a drizzly day in the Scottish Highlands. The rolling glens are brushed with dark purple heather, the leaves are starting to turn to rust and I’m blindfolded in a 19th-century castle, fighting for survival. The slow, rhythmic thunk-tap of boots striking wood gets louder as the enemy circles and closes in. My heart quickens – will I be the chosen one? Am I their prey? Gradually, the footsteps retreat. No, not today. This well-orchestrated drama is playing out because I’m on the set of BBC rea