Comic Relief 2023: The Traitor fans in hysteria over Claudia Winkleman parody by Dawn French

Dawn French was unrecognizable as Claudia Winkleman in the BBC One parody The traitors for Comic Relief.

The Vicar of Dibley Star donned Winkleman’s signature black fringes for the sketch, as well as one of the star’s giant turtlenecks, which gradually encased her entire face.

“Actually, I’m Claudia Winkleman: half woman, half fringe,” French says to the candidates.

“It feels like it’s time for a discussion,” she continues. “And during this discussion, I’m going to be walking around this table, saying creepy things non-stop, and looking absolutely gorgeous.”

In one scene, French shares her bangs with a curtain roll.

Among the “candidates” was Alison Hammond, who has just been confirmed as Matt Lucas’ replacement The Great British Bake Off, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mary Berry, Stephen Merchant, Danny Dyer, Jennifer Saunders and two real ones traitor Participants of the first season.

One of the hooded candidates turns out to be the real Claudia Winkleman, who accuses French of being the traitor.

“See, you don’t sound like me, you’re not as orange as me and your wig is way, way better than mine,” she says.

Fans expressed their admiration for the segment on social media, calling it one of the “funniest things” they’ve seen on Comic Relief “in years.”

“Can not stop laughing. Dawn French pulls off a Claudia Winkleman fringe links no one else has. Absolutely brilliant,” wrote one fan.

“Comedy. Gold,” another wrote alongside a clip from the sketch.

Elsewhere on the Red Nose Day show, black viper Fans rejoiced at Baldrick’s return after 20 years.

The show’s producers were also criticized for a skit in which David Walliams joked about his role as judge Britain’s Got Talent. The comedy actor was recently replaced on the show after making sexual comments about a 2020 contestant, according to a leaked recording.