The worst-kept secret in broadcasting was made official on Thursday with confirmation that Clare Balding will step into Sue Barker’s venerable shoes as the lead presenter of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage this summer.
The popular Balding, whose versatility and supreme unflappability has been seen across seven Olympic Games, a host of Sports Personality of the Year awards, Crufts and the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, described her new role as a “huge honour”.
However, the news that one national treasure would be replacing another was not entirely unexpected. In fact it was Barker herself who let the cat out of the bag last November, telling an awards event that the role she had held for 22 years was “in the safest hands – it’s absolutely wonderful to leave it with Clare”, as she picked up a lifetime achievement from her successor.
The 52-year-old Balding, who has been at the corporation since 1995, becomes only the fifth main presenter of the corporation’s Wimbledon coverage in 50 years, following David Coleman, Harry Carpenter, Des Lynam and Barker.
“It’s a huge honour to be given this responsibility but I am very aware that no one person can fill Sue’s shoes,” she said. “It’s my job to bring out the best in them and to help make our viewers feel they have a front row seat on the greatest sporting stage”.
Balding grew up in a racing household with her father, Ian, sending out the 1971 Derby winner, Mill Reef, before training horses for the Queen. She was a talented amateur Flat jockey herself, studying English at Cambridge University and joining the BBC as a trainee.
While at the corporation she moved quickly up the ranks as presenter, winning acclaim particularly for her London Olympics and Paralympics coverage, and plenty of awards along the way. Last year she was also appointed CBE for services to sport and charity and until December she was the president of the Rugby Football League.
Her appointment was also hailed by Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, who said that she was “thrilled” at the news. “We know she will combine her passion and knowledge for the prestigious event with the trademark energy and professionalism she brings to both those working alongside her and watching at home, and we look forward to her taking up the new role this summer,” she added.
The decision would have also come with the informal blessing of the All England Club, with whom the corporation has had an extremely close relationship spanning more than 95 years – dating back to radio commentary from Captain Henry Blythe Thornhill (Teddy) Wakelam in 1927. Television pictures followed 10 years later, and the partnership is the longest in sports broadcasting history. The present contract, worth an estimated £60m a year, runs until 2027.
As with the Championships last year, Isa Guha will present the BBC’s coverage earlier in the day before Balding takes over the coverage for play scheduled in the afternoon and into the evening.
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
However, Barker will be a tough act to follow. Such was her popularity that on her final day presenting last summer, fans at Wimbledon sang “We love you Sue, we do,” as a moving tribute was paid to her.
The 66-year-old was in tears as players including Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Billie Jean King called her “simply the best” after she walked off Centre Court for the last time. The former world No 1 Chris Evert described Barker as an “outspoken, articulate, wonderfully knowledgable tennis presenter”.
