Renowned sports broadcaster Clare Balding has shared a hilarious story about issuing a mock warning to fellow presenter Gyles Brandreth over his long-standing admiration for her wife, Alice Arnold.
A Playful Podcast Confession
The revelation came during a recent appearance on Mel Giedroyc's death-themed podcast, Where There's A Will, There's A Wake. On the show, guests are humorously probed about their end-of-life wishes under the pretence they have already passed away.
During the episode, a pre-recorded mock eulogy by Gyles Brandreth was played. In it, he described Clare Balding as one of the "most loved and respected figures" and touched upon her celebrated career in sports broadcasting and her passion for equestrian events.
The 'Beguiling' Alice Arnold
The tone of the eulogy took a comical turn when Brandreth shifted his focus to Balding's wife, the former BBC Radio 4 newsreader Alice Arnold. Gyles said, "Of course, as she leaves behind a beautiful widow, the brilliant and beguiling Alice Arnold."
Clare immediately interjected, remarking that Brandreth is "physically very attracted" to Alice and that he "always says that". Brandreth continued his humorous tribute by instructing the imaginary funeral congregation to remain in their seats, as the event would swiftly transition into a wedding ceremony for him and Alice.
Reflecting on the recording, Balding noted that Brandreth had "always had a thing" for her wife. She added, "I think he's thought about it — definitely thought about the wedding to Alice." She concluded with a light-hearted warning, explaining that while Brandreth frequently tells Alice she is "physically very attractive", everyone in their social circle finds his comments to be "borderline", though he manages to get away with it.
From Coronation Gaffes to Saturday Night TV
In other news, Clare Balding also recently disclosed an embarrassing on-air gaffe she made during King Charles's coronation coverage for the BBC. She recounted telling viewers, "There's the Princess Royal, who you may have seen make a hasty exit from Westminster Abbey, and she has been swiftly mounted."
While the phrase made perfect sense to Balding given her equestrian background, her wife Alice later informed her that the comment could be interpreted very differently by the general public. Balding expressed hope that Princess Anne found the remark amusing.
Viewers can next see Clare Balding on Michael McIntyre's The Wheel on BBC One on Saturday, November 22, from 8:05pm to 9:05pm.
