BBC Sports star Clare Balding and her wife, broadcaster Alice Arnold, are leaving London for the countryside after two decades in the capital. The couple, who have been together since 1999 and married in 2015, are moving from their £3 million home in Chiswick to leafy Esher in Surrey, about 20 miles away.
Reasons for the Move
A family acquaintance revealed that their priorities have shifted in recent years. "London has been wonderful for them. But priorities shift. You start wanting gardens instead of traffic, birdsong instead of sirens," they told the Mail. Clare, 55, who grew up in the countryside, had previously found London "suffocating" but stayed for 20 years before deciding on the change.
Last year, Clare told The Times that they wanted "a bit more space and protection from the road so it's a good environment for a dog."
Relationship Insights
In a rare comment about their relationship, Clare shared the secret to their lasting bond. "Alice and I just have the most lovely time together, we have so much fun and we enjoy doing the same things to relax. But also we have the same work ethic," she told the Mail. Alice, 63, who hosts Mellow Magic, understands the broadcast environment and provides honest feedback. "She's very honest with me and will say if she thinks I haven't done something well or could do it better," Clare added.
Clare also revealed she turned down an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing for Alice. "When the request came through she said: 'You can say yes to that if you like, but I won't be here when you come back,'" Clare told Alison Hammond on the Smart TV podcast, noting Alice's strong feelings about her "hopeless" dancing.
