BBC Sport presenter Clare Balding has opened up about the emotional aftermath of losing her beloved dog Archie, admitting she 'kept bursting into tears' while walking his favourite route. The 54-year-old broadcaster and her wife Alice made the difficult decision to have their Tibetan terrier put to sleep in 2020, a loss she described as leaving a 'dog-shaped hole' in her heart.
In an interview with The Times, Balding revealed the painful process of grieving: 'After Archie died in 2020 I wanted to walk his favourite route repeatedly to remember him, which seems a rather masochistic thing to do, and it was so painful because we kept seeing dogs we knew, and I'd stop to say hello before bursting into tears.' She added that while the walks were initially heartbreaking, they gradually became easier.
Despite the sorrow, Balding and her wife are now planning to welcome a new canine companion. The couple are considering a move to the countryside to provide a safer environment for a dog. 'We're looking to move out of London, and one of the main reasons for that is to have a bit more space and protection from the road so it's a good environment for a dog. As soon as we're settled, it's our plan - probably next spring,' Balding shared.
Balding, who hosts Channel 4's Crufts, previously told MailOnline she yearns for 'everything a dog brings' – from winter walks to the enthusiastic greetings after work. She described Archie as the 'perfect dog' due to his non-shedding coat, which was crucial for Alice, who suffers from dog allergies. In her memoir Isle of Dogs, Alice revealed that allowing Balding to have a dog was one of the 'original commitments' she made early in their relationship.
The broadcaster, known for covering major sporting events including the Olympics and Wimbledon, currently hosts Radio 4's Ramblings. She is also set to appear on Celebrity Traitors when it airs in October.
