Kate Garraway has stunned fans after transforming into a near-perfect double of Claudia Winkleman for Heat magazine’s annual festive feature, which sees stars recreate the most iconic images of the year.
The 58-year-old presenter joined a host of famous faces dressing up as other celebrities, but it was her uncanny resemblance to The Traitors host that stole the show. Kate recreated one of Claudia’s instantly recognisable looks from Celebrity Traitors — the very series she competed on — complete with the presenter’s trademark raven fringe and heavy black eyeliner.
Swapping her caramel locks for a dark wig, Kate carefully copied Claudia’s signature style, layering a chic dark poncho with fingerless gloves and even mirroring her sly expression and exact pose, right down to an owl perched on her arm. She added the final touch herself, painstakingly applying the thick eyeliner Claudia is famous for, while repeatedly asking the hairstylist to adjust her fringe until it looked spot-on.
Reflecting on the transformation, Kate admitted she’s long been fascinated by Claudia’s hair, explaining that they even share the same hairdresser. She joked that while she’s obsessed with fringes, her own attempts never quite hit the mark, saying she looked less “cool and edgy” and more like “my mum had cut it for school.”
Seeing the finished result left Kate stunned. She described herself as “flabbergasted”, adding that she hoped Claudia would take it as a tribute rather than feel she needed to change her iconic look. She called Claudia “iconic” and said the reaction to their recreation had been overwhelming, reminding her of the joy in simply playing, laughing and having fun.
Away from the glamour, Kate also spoke candidly about the festive season, admitting this Christmas will be an emotional one following the death of her husband Derek Draper, who passed away aged 56 in January last year. She shared that it will be the first Christmas spent at her home without him, after spending last year at her brother’s house, acknowledging that the holidays often bring memories of loved ones who are no longer there while encouraging people to cherish those around them.
Kate wasn’t the only star to take part in Heat’s playful shoot. Hits Radio Breakfast presenters Fleur East, James Barr and Will Best recreated Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, with Fleur slipping into one of the superstar’s most famous white bodysuits and cowboy-inspired looks. Love Island star Helena Ford also turned heads as she channelled Sabrina Carpenter’s provocative BRIT Awards performance, embracing the singer’s bold styling and cheeky stage persona.
