CLAUDIA Winkleman’s daughter suffered horrific burns after her clothes caught
fire in a freak accident in front of the Strictly star.
Matilda, eight, was trick-or-treating in a posh square near her family’s
central London home, when the cape on her Halloween witch’s costume went up
in flames.
A neighbour said the girl’s outfit touched a candle in a carved pumpkin on a
doorstep of a house and went up “like a fireball”.
The woman added: “She was in a group of little girls, who all know each other
round here. Apparently she stepped over a pumpkin with a candle in and it
set fire to her fancy dress outfit.”
It is understood that Claudia was with the pals when the accident happened on
Friday evening.
Evelyn Bacolv, 34, whose daughters were in separate trick-or-treat group,
said: “I’m not sure exactly where it happened because they didn’t see
Matilda when the cape caught fire, only when the ambulance arrived.”
It is believed one of Matilda’s legs had to be heavily bandaged.
She is now recovering in hospital. Her burns are said to be serious but not
life-threatening.
Last night Claudia and film director husband Kris Thykier, both 42, said: “She
is having the best care possible and we are hopeful of a full recovery.”
Distraught Claudia missed last weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing shows and
has been keeping a vigil at Matilda’s bedside.
The couple’s nanny said: “Claudia was very worried.
“She is at the hospital. She hasn’t left her side.”
A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service confirmed they sent a specialist
paramedic and crew to the accident scene at 5.23pm on Friday.
The family — whose close neighbours include ex-PM Tony Blair and wife Cherie —
had been planning to attend a Halloween extravaganza hosted by chat show
star Jonathan Ross later that night.
A source said: “Claudia was trick-or-treating with her daughter when the
accident occurred. It was utterly horrifying for her.
“She is completely traumatised.
“This is one thing no mother wants to go through.
“The burns are bad and could impact her girl’s life forever.”
Child actress Matilda, nicknamed Pea, because she loves to eat the veg, played
a bridesmaid in the 2013 film I Give it a Year alongside Minnie Driver.
Her parents last night added: “We would like to thank everyone that has been
so supportive and particularly the NHS doctors, nurses and staff who have
been incredible.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone taking part in
fireworks parties or Guy Fawkes celebrations to be vigilant about the
dangers of candles, open fires and fireworks and to please have the
appropriate safety measures in place and to hand.”
A BBC spokesman said Claudia will not take part in this weekend’s Strictly
shows.
Bosses have no idea whether she will be back before the end of the series
and have insisted she can have as much time as she wants to recover from her
ordeal.
The spokesman said Zoe Ball will again stand in for her and added: “All our
thoughts and very best wishes are with Claudia and her family at this time.”
Claudia and Kris have two other kids — Jake, 11 and Arthur, three.
Past and present Strictly stars spoke of their shock.
Celeb contestant Mark Wright and professional dancers James Jordan and Iveta
Lukosiute were among the first to relay good wishes to Claudia and Matilda.
James, 36, said: “Claudia is brilliant. It’s always upsetting when children
get hurt. I wish her all the best.”
Warning by blaze chief
MATILDA’S ordeal is a shocking reminder of the dangers of flames and flammable
clothing as the nation prepares for Bonfire Night.
Rita Dexter, London Fire Brigade deputy commissioner, said: “Flames can be
lethal if you don’t keep an eye on them or they are left unattended.
“Make sure candles are placed well away from flammable items and clothing
otherwise the results can be catastrophic. I hope Claudia’s daughter has a
speedy recovery after this ordeal.”