Clare Balding will take over as principal presenter of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, replacing Sue Barker.
Since 2015, the 52-year-old has hosted the Today At Wimbledon highlights section, and she has been tipped to succeed Barker, 66, since her retirement was announced in June of last year.
Balding joins David Coleman, Harry Carpenter, Des Lynam, and Barker in taking on the high-profile post.
She said: ‘It’s a huge honour to be given this responsibility but I am very aware that no one person can fill Sue’s shoes.
‘This will always be a team effort and we’re lucky that the BBC line-up includes former professionals with huge insight as well as wonderful reporters and commentators.
‘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.’
After 30 years of presenting Wimbledon coverage on the BBC, Barker said a sorrowful farewell to the event at the end of 2022.
Balding participated in a career celebration with players such as Tim Henman and Billie Jean King.
Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Rafael Nadal were among those who paid tribute to the former tennis great.
Balding will take over as president of Wimbledon when the tournament returns to the All England Lawn Tennis And Croquet Club in 2023.
Balding began her career on BBC radio as a trainee in 1994.
She began her career as a sports broadcaster for Radio 5 Live before moving on to other areas of factual presenting.
Balding has earned television accolades for her work as a presenter in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During a conversation with Balding at the Action Woman Awards in November, Barker appeared to inadvertently disclose her successor.
‘I know I’m putting it in the safest hands, it’s really fantastic to leave it with Clare,’ Barker remarked during the chat, nodding to an anxious-looking Balding, who bit her lip.
BBC Sport director Barbara Slater stated that the station is “thrilled to introduce Clare as our new lead presenter for Wimbledon.”
‘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.’
As previous year, presenter and cricketer Isa Guha will greet fans each day before the start of play at SW19.
Later in the day, Balding will take over coverage, covering games scheduled for the afternoon and evening.
Source My Celebrity Life.
