Claudia Winkleman’s show proved it’s ‘perfect’ TV after introducing Dan Levy to Mr Blobby

Claudia Winkleman’s late-night talk show has officially peaked thanks to the return of a 90s TV icon.

Last night, the former Strictly Come Dancing host welcomed Dan Levy, Phil Dunster, Cush Jumbo, and Josh Widdicombe to her green velvet sofa for the final episode of the series’ first run.

During a segment that sees Claudia ask the audience to chip in with questions, Schitt’s Creek creator Dan – who was promoting his new venture, Netflix’s Big Mistakes – got the ultimate jump scare in the form of… Mr Blobby.

‘We’ve got one final question,’ Claudia began, as the pink character emerged from behind the cameras and sent the studio audience wild.

‘Oh my God,’ said comedian Josh, while Phil’s and Cush’s jaws instantly dropped.

As for Dan, well, he wasn’t so keen to stick around, instinctively standing up and shielding himself behind the couch.

Mr Blobby, who debuted on Noel’s House Party in 1992, made his way down the stairs, waving as he soaked up the applause before finding a seat.

Everyone, Claudia included, was in hysterics, but actor Dan’s expression couldn’t have had less emotion, as he stood baffled by the entire thing.

The Canadian star, 42, couldn’t believe what was unfolding as the British guests warmly welcomed the bulbous, spotty figure, while he was, most likely, terrified.

‘You people are f***ing crazy!’, he then declared, slowly making his way back to sit down.

He was retreating again soon enough, though, when Mr Blobby opened his mouth, the famous ‘Blobby’ sound coming from his mouth.

‘Is that how he talks?’, the Emmy winner asked, to which Phil joked: ‘Have some respect.’
As the show came to an end, it’s fair to say Dan was lost for words, clasping his hands over his face as Mr Blobby made his classic ungraceful exit, tumbling to the floor and leaving Claudia only to explain: ‘That’s what he does.’
‘Dan Levy is so petrified of Mr Blobby it’s hilarious’, wrote @htbuk1992.

‘What a wonderful end to the #claudiawinklemanshow series- a roster of guests with cracking chemistry AND we got to watch Dan Levy uncover the insane world of Mr Blobby.

Perfection’, praised @BexLindsay.

@Alitheredwitch said Mr Blobby’s ‘sudden’ appearance was a ‘jump scare’, while @danidelle23 stated: ‘Dan Levy’s reaction to Mr Blobby is EVERYTHING’.

‘Dan Levy and Mr Blobby were two names I didn’t think I would ever use in the same sentence’, tweeted @Emkate4354.

@danidelle23 added: ‘Dan Levy and Mr Blobby…perfect Friday night tv’.

‘mr blobby appearing on the claudia winkleman show and making dan levy physically retreat behind the sofa is the most uniquely british welcome to a canadian guest i’ve ever seen’, mused @itscnotes.

Plenty were on hand to validate Dan, however, with @Jules04603468 saying: Mr Blobby was the stuff of nightmares when I was a kid…I can’t believe he’s back’.

Mr Blobby was originally Barry Killerby until 2015, when Paul Denson took over.

He’s known for causing carnage wherever he goes, whether it be crashing the This Morning set or surprising Good Morning Britain.

And despite his reign of terror, it seems he’s still somewhat popular, as, in 2023, an original Mr Blobby costume was auctioned off on eBay and sold for a hefty £62,000.

As for Claudia, fans are yet to find out whether her talk show will return for a second series – and who knows, maybe Mr Blobby could make another cameo.

It is highly tipped to return, though, having proven a ratings hit despite an uneasy start.

Over the last six weeks, she’s interviewed plenty of A-listers and British treasures, from Jeff Goldblum and Lisa Kudrow to Niall Horan and James McAvoy.

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‘Oh, I am so bad at it,’ she told The Mirror.

‘I said no about 15 years ago.

Graham Stuart, who runs the company (So Television) with Graham Norton, said, “Would you do a chat show?”
‘I was like, “I am not good at that.” I left, and then I guess Graham Norton said, “I think you should consider it”.’
She added: ‘I started it and I didn’t like it, and now I do quite like it, the more relaxed I got.

But it is nerve-wracking.

I probably said yes because of ego, I don’t know.’
Catch up with The Claudia Winkleman Show on BBC iPlayer.

A highlights show airs next Friday.
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