Clare Balding has admitted she "can get a bit panicked with too many children around," explaining that having children is not something everyone needs to do in their lifetime. The broadcaster, 55, entered a civil partnership with Alice Arnold in 2006 before getting married in 2015.
Happy as an auntie
Back in 2013, Clare admitted that while she loves being an auntie, she was more than content with having a dog. At the time, the couple had a beloved Tibetan Terrier named Archie, who sadly passed away in 2020.
The sports journalist told Women and Home: "I love being Auntie Clare. But I'm quite happy to just have a dog. I can get a bit panicked with too many children around. Not everyone has to have children. If everyone had two or three, we'd run out of room."
Waiting for the right time
Clare recently spoke about the loss of Archie, admitting she is "waiting for the right time" to expand her family with Alice. In an interview with Country and Townhouse, Clare said she is looking to adopt a dog, but "right now is not the time".
She told the publication: "My own feeling is any decision you make should be for your dog, not for you. At the moment we’re waiting to get a dog, because right now is not the time and that’s almost the most selfless thing I’ve ever done.
"I’m desperate to have a dog again, and I just can’t right now. But in time we will again; we had Archie for fifteen years.
"I think that feeling of their joy gives you added joy, and I really love that connection that we have with our dogs.
"Status means nothing. Everyone is equal in the eyes of their dog. And your dog loves you, whatever."
'Never had that urge'
In an interview with Radio Times in 2015, the BBC Radio 4 presenter confessed that she "never had that urge" to become a mum, telling the publication: "I have never wanted children. It’s my choice, but of course it’s not something that’s going to happen by accident. Yes, it could happen if I wished it to.
"I have two nephews, a niece and eight godchildren, and I love that. But I don’t want kids. I just never had that urge."
She added: "One of the many benefits of being gay is that people don’t assume you want children, so they don’t ask you.
"My brother Andrew’s relationship with his wife Anna Lisa is almost as long-standing as mine with Alice, and all they were ever asked is 'When are you getting married?' and 'When are you having children?' We never got that from anybody."
