Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut

Claudia Winkleman wishes luck to Romesh on his new BBC Radio 2 show

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman had to apologise to Romesh Ranganathan, who is taking over her BBC Radio 2 show after the star decided to leave the station, for a very bizarre reason.

While sending the comedian and TV star her best wishes live on BBC One, Claudia admitted she hadn't left the Radio 2 studio, where Romesh will be hosting from, in the best state for her replacement.

During an appearance on BBC's The One Show this evening to discuss the new series of her Channel 4 show, The Piano, host Alex Jones also gave Claudia the opportunity to wish Romesh good luck ahead of his first show airing this weekend.

Alex began by telling The Traitors host: "People are very upset, Claudia, because you’ve stepped away from Radio 2..."

However, Claudia quickly interjected and quipped: "They’re not upset, I could hear them cheering!" Before Alex added: "But Romesh is fantastic also."

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Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut (Image: BBC)

Claudia excitedly agreed, telling the host: "I mean, the funniest man alive, we are lucky to have him. I cannot wait to listen - I’m going to listen to him when I’m in Manchester."

"He starts 10 o’clock tomorrow, we wondered if you might have a good luck message for him? He’s watching," Alex shared.

Preparing to deliver her message, Claudia turned to face the camera directly, before saying: "So, Romesh, you know you’re the funniest man alive - full stop - no offence to [points to her fellow The One Show guests] you are also hilarious!

"And I just wish you enormous luck - you don’t need luck - we, the listeners and Radio 2, are so lucky to have you.

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Romesh Ranganathan is taking Claudia Winkleman's spot on the airwaves (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"Enjoy it, and sorry about my chewing of all the pens," she sheepishly concluded, prompting laughter from Alex and her co-host Roman Kemp.

Claudia's last show on BBC Radio 2 aired last month, after the star had spent 15 years at the station, with the last three of those being on Saturday mornings.

She became emotional after receiving a kind message from her Strictly co-presenter and friend Tess Daly, who said: "I know how much you’ve absolutely loved doing your show and how much you love your listeners, but now you’re going to spend your Saturday mornings with your family, and I know you’re looking forward to doing that, so enjoy every moment."

Claudia seemed lost for words after the sweet message from her Tess, as she gasped: "That is so… I didn’t know that was happening. That’s naughty!"

Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut

Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut

Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut

Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut

Claudia Winkleman in awkward 8-word apology to her BBC Radio 2 replacement before debut