Clare Balding's brother Andrew was "ashamed" to say he hadn't watched his sister compete on last year's inaugural series of The Celebrity Traitors. The prominent British racehorse trainer did admit plans to catch up on the episodes, however.
Brother's admission
In 2025, the BBC launched The Celebrity Traitors - a star-studded version of the hit game show - to much applause. The series captivated the public and was eventually won by comedian Alan Carr, who claimed the £87,500 prize for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, as a Traitor.
This year, series two has proven just as popular, with millions tuning in to watch each episode. Broadcasting royalty Balding was a Faithful 12 months ago, but the group banished her during an episode four Round Table - the stage that the current series has reached.
But whilst the public watched eagle-eyed, Balding's brother Andrew made the stark admission that he hadn't been following along, explaining he only planned to catch up over the school half-term break with his kids.
Trainer's busy schedule
Andrew is one of Britain's leading racehorse trainers. His Kingsclere yard has amassed over £8.7million in prize money and saddled almost 180 winners so far this campaign.
He is bidding for a first-ever British Flat Trainers' Championship and is going toe-to-toe with multiple-time champion Aidan O'Brien heading into the final stages.
This time last year, these two training supremos were also near the top of the pile, too. It was ahead of British Champions Day at Ascot that Andrew was questioned about his sister's exploits on television and he made it clear he simply didn't have the time as he was focused on preparing for the meeting.
"I'm ashamed to say I haven't had a chance to watch Traitors," he said. "But I think we'll get it on iPlayer and maybe when the kids are back for half-term we'll watch it then. I have to try and work out how it... I don't understand the rules."
Sporting stars on the show
Balding, who covers events such as Wimbledon and the Olympics, was one of three sporting figures on the series in 2025. Diver Tom Daley and rugby union star Joe Marler joined her.
This series, which has so far been defined by actor Richard E. Grant's opening-episode faux pas, has no such sporting stars.
Balding admitted after taking part in the show that people with a background in sport were somewhat disregarded.
She told The Sports Agents podcast: "A lot of my friends are PE teachers and they find they don't get listened to, whereas the History or English teacher has status.
"Those Round Table situations where certain voices carry more votes, there are lots of factors behind that, but it's real. I find the whole environment where people are being set on each other very difficult. I think you're abnormal if you don't find that! It's tough."
