Channel 4 will broadcast the Boat Races for the first time on Saturday, taking over from the BBC after 1829 tradition. The event, featuring Oxford and Cambridge universities, will see Clare Balding return as presenter alongside Jamie Laing, known for E4's Made in Chelsea, and Ade Adepitan.
The BBC's decision to drop the races raised questions about relevance, but Channel 4's head of sport Pete Andrews said: 'It's about coming in with a new set of eyes. As a public service broadcaster we're free-to-air and we can showcase it for everyone.'
Production company FilmNova plans innovations including relatable comparisons and a fantasy boat with sports stars like Serena Williams and Paula Radcliffe. Managing director Phil Sibson said: 'We've also really tried to humanise the rowers. We've taken them away from their colleges and done some fun things.'
Oxford women's president Heidi Long, an Olympic bronze medallist from Paris 2024, leads her team after eight consecutive Cambridge wins. The 29-year-old said: 'I can do 10 more strokes in a rowing race. To have parents that love you that much, it just kind of sets you free.'
Cambridge rower Carys Earl, studying medicine, described her gruelling schedule: 'Sleep is not something you get to do very often.' The women's race starts at 2pm, followed by the men's at 3pm on Saturday.
