Clare Balding has been a fixture on television for over two decades, but what do we know about her romantic life? The beloved presenter has graced our screens with appearances at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Crufts, and Celebrity Traitors. Beyond the cameras, she is happily married to Alice Arnold, who joins her on Celebrity Gogglebox. However, her path to happiness included a rejected proposal, a difficult ex-boyfriend, and a deep bond with Alice.
Clare Balding's 'Appalling' Former Boyfriend
Before meeting Alice, Clare had relationships with men, including a serious boyfriend in the Army. He proposed before a tour of duty, but Clare declined, sensing his fear. She later told the Mirror: "I thought, 'He's only asking me because he thinks he's in danger'. I meant to say yes, but I knew I didn't want to." When he returned, he didn't ask again, and Clare felt relief. She added: "That relationship ended not very well, with him behaving appallingly. I think I was damaged by that, but that doesn't make you gay."
Clare and Wife Alice
Clare met Alice Arnold in 1999 while Alice worked as a BBC Radio 4 announcer. They started as close friends before romance blossomed. Alice admitted to The Times in 2018: "There was very little about Clare that I found attractive at first. She ticked all the boxes of things I tend to avoid." In 2006, before gay marriage was legalized in the UK, they formed a civil partnership at an 18th-century Palladian villa in Chiswick. Nine years later, in April 2015, they married at the same venue. Clare told The Jonathan Ross Show: "It's about equality. It's just about knowing that you can say: 'I'm married'."
Alice's 'Ultimatum' for Clare
Clare revealed that Alice has "strong feelings" about her not appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. When the offer came, Alice said: "You can say yes if you like, but I won't be here when you come back." On the Smart TV podcast, Clare explained that Alison Hammond understood the "ultimatum", noting the show's reputation for splitting couples. Clare agreed that watching a partner dance with someone else "has got to hurt a little."
Why Haven't Clare and Alice Had Children?
Clare and Alice have no children, and Clare has been open about her choice. In a 2015 interview with Radio Times, she said: "I have never wanted children. It's my choice. 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."
Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.
