Clare Balding Declines Strictly Due to Wife’s Firm ‘Ultimatum’
Clare Balding has made headlines by declining the opportunity to join BBC’s prestigious show, Strictly Come Dancing. Recently celebrating her 55th birthday, Balding cited two main reasons for her decision. First, she professed her lack of dancing skills, humorously stating, “It’s not something anybody needs to see.”
Moreover, Balding disclosed that her wife, Alice Arnold, has voiced a strong opposition to her participation. She recounted Alice’s ultimatum on the Smart TV podcast, stating, “You can say yes to that if you like, but I won’t be here when you come back.” This remark highlights the often-quoted “Strictly curse,” which refers to the romantic breakdowns that occur among contestants and partners during or after the show.
Clare Balding’s Relationship with Alice Arnold
Clare Balding and Alice Arnold tied the knot in 2015. Their relationship blossomed after years of friendship, which began 16 years prior. Initially, they were both involved in other relationships. Arnold recalls meeting Balding and appreciating her talent, but never expecting a romantic connection. She reflected, “I just knew I liked her, and she was fun.”
Since their marriage, the couple has appeared together on reality shows like Celebrity Gogglebox and most recently, Celebrity Traitors. Despite being a fan favorite, Balding was eliminated early from Celebrity Traitors, shortly after Alan Carr’s victory on the show.
Reflection on Reality TV
In light of her experiences, Balding expressed reluctance to participate in another reality series, stating, “I probably wouldn’t do reality TV again.” She emphasized the significant impact of Celebrity Traitors, acknowledging that it represented deeper issues despite its nature as a gameshow. She praised the humor that the format allowed, stating, “Humour is the most fabulous shield.”
Reflecting on her time spent in the entertainment industry, Balding remains grateful for her career and the lessons she has learned along the way. She noted the importance of humor while addressing serious matters, highlighting her admiration for fellow contestants, especially Alan Carr.
