Claudia Winkleman is famed for a number of things; that iconic blunt fringe, her no-nonsense style, and her seriously funny and natural manner when it comes to presenting.

However, stepping away from humour, the 44-year-old presenter has given a serious interview about her inspiring mother, Eve Pollard, and the incredible life lessons she has bestowed upon her over the years.

Below image: Claudia Winkleman as a little girl

Speaking to the Mail Online, Winkleman explained: “I was brought up by the strongest and most brilliant woman I’ve ever come across – my mum.

“She was strong, and fantastic, and taught me everything I needed to know in being female. We weren’t allowed any mirrors in the house, which would explain how I do my make-up… and the fact I look like I’ve slept in a skip.

“I was 15 going out saying, ‘Mum, I need to know how I look, give me an idea!’”

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Winkleman added: “She wanted to teach us that appearance is a waste of time, it’s not in the least bit important.”

It goes without saying that Pollard was keen to instil and foster a sense of self-worth in her daughter; she preferred to stress the importance of being intelligent, rather than looking good, on a daily basis.

Winkleman went on to explain that her mother taught her a number of important life lessons – all of which she intends to pass on to her own daughter, Matilda.

They were:

• Read books
• Be funny
• Be clever
• Be chatty
• Learn how to make an omelette

“She was, and still is, my role model,” said Winkleman.

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The Strictly Come Dancing presenter and Cambridge graduate is one of the UK’s most beloved television personalities, with many women praising her for adhering to her own fashion and beauty rules.

Her mother, who was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to journalism, is her biggest fan.

“Claudia works in one of the most vanity-obsessed industries and, yes, of course she uses the Strictly facilities and the spray tan, but the basics are actually about her being silly, funny and smart when she needs to,” she told the Mail.