Clare Balding gave a heads-up to her partner, Alice Arnold, before they started appearing together on Celebrity Gogglebox. The renowned BBC Sport host and Alice joined the popular Channel 4 show in 2021.
While Clare has been a well-known figure for over three decades, particularly for her role in the BBC’s Royal Ascot coverage since 1995, Alice has mainly worked in radio behind the scenes. Despite this, Clare mentioned that Alice has become quite popular among Gogglebox viewers.
Clare shared that she finds it effortless to engage with people on various topics like Crufts, Wimbledon, and the Paralympics when out and about. However, Alice is still adjusting to being recognized in public due to her radio work rather than being a familiar face. Clare expressed this during an interview with Wales Online.
In a podcast with Gaby Roslin, Clare mentioned that she enjoys the positive reception they receive as a couple on Gogglebox, with many viewers finding Alice funnier than herself. She also highlighted that Alice has a shorter attention span and less patience compared to her.
Clare acknowledged that Alice sometimes prefers not to engage with the public, unlike herself. Initially cautious about being on Gogglebox, Clare noted that it provided an opportunity to showcase an older same-sex couple in a domestic setting.
In a recent interview, Clare emphasized the importance of representing older same-sex couples on mainstream TV, stating that it sends a powerful message of acceptance to adults and parents. She expressed pride in portraying a positive image of LGBTQ relationships on Gogglebox.
Clare and Alice met in 1999 while working at the BBC, eventually developing a friendship that blossomed into a romantic relationship in 2002. They entered into a civil partnership in 2006 and later had a private wedding ceremony in 2015.
Clare is set to appear on Saturday Kitchen Live on BBC One today at 10 am, alongside chefs Karan Gokani and Melanie Brown. The upcoming episode promises an engaging culinary experience for viewers.