Claudia Winkleman was forced to reconsider when she stopped applying a fake tan during The Traitors and used gravy instead.
The Bronze presenter needed urgent replacements after a week filming the BBC reality show at remote Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Claudia, 52, recalled: “Since I was in a castle, I didn’t have my usual fake tan, so I thought, “Let’s try something!”
“I don’t think I’m allowed to say the brand, but it was gravy granules.
“I’ve had spray tans before, but that was Episode 5. Roundtable, I’m wearing tweed, what else do I need? Gravy granules.
“They come from the store – there are stores out there – and it’s really good. It’s really effective.”
Read more about Claudia Winkleman
Claudia, who co-hosts Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly and is currently airing the second series of The Piano on Channel 4, made the surprise confession on the latest episode of BBC1’s Would I Lie to You? did. Available on iPlayer.
She admits to using Bisto and tea bags as a tanning substitute during her school days 30 years ago.
But viewers will be surprised to learn she has brought back her cheap tricks on the multi-million pound prime time TV show.
Claudia always jokes that her fake tan is just one of two skills she has for her job as a TV frontman, saying, “All I do is make myself look orange.” All you have to do is paint on it and read the autocue.”