I reckon Tess is under orders from Fforsyth to play the dumb blond hostess role. With him not there, and with Claudia's natural energy and spontaneity, she really comes into her own and made the hosting of the show watchable. Unlike when she has to know her place when Fforsyth's there.
Claudia is brilliant. A naturally zany sense of fun. As for her clothes, it might be her own style, but so what? If that's what she like. But I doubt it is, having seen photos her "dressed up" for events and how she dressed for "The Great British Sewing Bee" - a programme she presented brilliantly, naturally empathising and encouraging the contestants.
She is so underused by the BBC. She's a complete natural in front of the cameras.
And it's not a case of IF Fforsyth retires - it's WHEN. Hopefully at the end of this series.