Renowned TV presenter and sports broadcaster Clare Balding is currently presenting the BBC's coverage of the British tennis competition Wimbledon. The 51 year old has made a name for herself presenting a wide range of sports programmes, from swimming to horse racing, as well as the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.
Her infectious enthusiasm has meant many viewers love her, but she almost forged a career away from the cameras. Born into a sport-loving family, Clare's father, Ian Balding, trained successful racehorses for members of the Royal family, including the Queen.
It's no surprise then that Clare initially aspired to be a jockey and it was this pastime that almost caused a run in with the Princess Royal. Earlier this year she explained to The Telegraph it was during her early racing days that she had a nasty collision with the princess and "nearly killed" her.
READ MORE: Chris Kamara issues health update as he admits 'there's always someone worse off'
LORRAINE GOBSMACKED: Lorraine Kelly gobsmacked as Ben Shephard forced to share 'mishap' on This Morning
Clare said: "Well, it was in a race when I'd only been competing for a couple of years. I got in her path, we collided and she was nearly unseated. I think she's forgiven me. She knows I didn't do it on purpose. Funnily enough, when she gave me my CBE, having previously presented me with an OBE, she leaned over and said: 'Mmm, I think we've been through this before'."
The presenter attended the prestigious Downe House independent school in Berkshire, where she formed a close friendship with future comedian Miranda Hart. The pair have collaborated on numerous projects since, including the TV show Miranda Meets.., where Clare appeared as a guest and sketched their dogs for charity.
In 2009, Clare publicly revealed her battle with thyroid cancer. She underwent radioactive iodine treatment to halt the spread of the disease after noticing a lump on her throat while watching herself on TV.
Following the removal of her thyroid gland, Clare adopted a 'keep calm and carry on' approach to her illness. Despite concerns about potential impacts on her voice crucial for her broadcasting career she received the all-clear in 2011.
The television personality is married to Alice Arnold, with their paths crossing around 1999 during their tenure at the BBC, prior to Clare's public coming out. In 2002, Clare openly shared her sexuality and began dating Alice.
Alice also had a career in media, working as a journalist for the BBC, providing common ground for the couple. In 2006, they formalised their relationship through a civil partnership, which was later converted into an official marriage in 2016 following the legalisation of gay marriage, backdating their union to 2006.
Currently, the couple resides in an upscale London neighbourhood, rubbing shoulders with neighbours such as Colin Firth, and have made appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox. Clare's television debut was in 1995, presenting Royal Ascot highlights, following her stint as a BBC National Radio trainee.
Her career trajectory has since soared, with her portfolio including several Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Crufts from 2004, and co-hosting duties for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
