Clare Balding has very famous wife who worked at BBC for two decades

TV star has graced our screens for several years and with three decades in broadcasting, she has established herself as one of the country's most esteemed and recognisable presenters, having also hosted major sporting events such as the Olympics, Paralympic Games, Grand National, Commonwealth Games and Wimbledon. Her popularity among audiences has led to increased interest in her personal life, with her relationships and even some controversies making headlines over the years. Here's all you need to know about Balding's life outside of the studio, including her fears about disclosing her sexuality, her "appalling" ex-boyfriend, and her famous wife.

Famous wife and "appalling" boyfriend.

Balding first crossed paths with her wife, broadcaster Alice Arnold, in 1999 while they were both employed by the BBC. Initially, they were just close friends but their relationship blossomed into romance in 2002, when a national newspaper revealed Balding's sexuality. In 2006, the couple formalised their relationship through a civil partnership and later exchanged vows in a private ceremony in 2015, following the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the UK. Their marriage was subsequently back-dated to their civil partnership in 2006.

Alice Arnold, who served as a newsreader and continuity announcer on BBC Radio 4 for over two decades, is currently hosting on Mellow Magic for Bauer Media Audio UK.

Reminiscing about their initial encounter, Balding confessed that she was instantly drawn to Arnold at a BBC show, despite not knowing her identity then. "I saw her and thought 'Oh, she's really interesting and rather beautiful'," she admitted.

"We started chatting and she's very funny. We were friends for at least two years."

Praising her wife's loyalty, the 54 year old described Arnold as "fiercely loyal", adding: "She would protect me and it's an incredible quality to have. It's like having your own little guard dog - it's amazing."

The BBC Sport presenter had previously been involved with men and even received a marriage proposal from one of her ex-boyfriends. However, she declined the offer and expressed no regrets, revealing that he later went on to "behave appallingly".

"I had a few boyfriends, not like loads. But I had one very serious boyfriend for two or three years," she recalled. "He asked me to marry him and he was in the Army and he was going off. And I thought 'he's only asking me because he thinks he's in danger and, according to romantic films, I'm meant to say yes at this point'.

"I knew I didn't want to. I said 'Look, that's a lovely thing to say but ask me again when you come back'. When he came back he didn't ask me again, and I thought ''Thank God''. I thought 'I don't trust you and I'll never trust you' - and funnily enough I was absolutely spot on as his ex-wife told me that not long ago."

She went on: "That relationship ended not very well with him behaving appallingly. I think I was damaged by that, but that doesn't make you gay. I just think when I first fell in love with a woman it was completely different."

In 2009, Balding opened up about her diagnosis with thyroid cancer. The TV host found out about her illness after spotting a lump on her throat while watching herself on television, with common symptoms being a persistent lump in the neck, ongoing sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

Balding received treatment consisting of radioactive iodine to prevent the spread of cancer, also having a cyst, her thyroid gland, and a lymph node surgically removed. Despite concerns about the disease affecting her voice and career prospects, she shared the joyous news that she was given the all-clear towards the end of 2010.

"I had to have a little operation just before Christmas to take out a nasty little lymph node and there was a worry that I might have to have more treatment," she shared. "But I had a lovely letter from my oncologist just after Christmas saying, 'Hurrah, no more treatment', so I'm very happy about that. 2011 is going to be a good one."

Later on, reflecting on her journey with the illness, she opened up: "When I recovered, my attitude to life changed. I feel happy most days, grateful for all I have."

Balding shares a snug haven in the London suburb of Chiswick with her significant other. The pair put down roots solely in this locale following Alice's stipulation: "We can live anywhere you want, as long as it's Chiswick."

The couple swung open their doors for an episode of Celebrity Gogglebox, revealing an inviting space with greys walls, a cream couch peppered with lively red cushions, where they snuggle up with their feline friends and enjoy television shows.

A peek into Clare's Instagram unveils a kitchen area that epitomises sleek domestic bliss, featuring spotless white units contrasted against chic black surfaces, with the entire setting balanced by soothing light wooden flooring.

During the 2021 Spring Lectures for The Upper Room, Balding shared her passion for home life, saying, "I make sure I walk every day, so the tow path between Chiswick Bridge and Kew Bridge is very well trodden for me. I try and do five miles a day minimum... I understand much more now what I need to keep me on track."