Clare Balding Rejects Strictly After Wife’s Firm Ultimatum
Clare Balding has recently declined the chance to join the renowned BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. As she celebrated her 55th birthday, she revealed two significant reasons for her decision.
Reasons for Rejecting Strictly Come Dancing
Balding humorously pointed out her lack of dancing ability. She stated, “It’s not something anybody needs to see.”
In addition to her self-assessment of dancing, Balding shared that her wife, Alice Arnold, firmly opposed her participation. During an appearance on the Smart TV podcast, she recounted Arnold’s ultimatum: “You can say yes to that if you like, but I won’t be here when you come back.” This statement echoes the commonly referenced “Strictly curse,” known for the romantic splits that occur among contestants.
Clare Balding and Alice Arnold’s Relationship
The couple married in 2015 after developing a strong bond over 16 years of friendship. Their relationship began while they were involved in other romantic partnerships. Arnold fondly remembers her first encounter with Balding, saying she admired her talent but never anticipated a romantic connection. “I just knew I liked her, and she was fun,” Arnold reflected.
- Married in 2015
- 16 years of friendship prior to marriage
Since their wedding, Balding and Arnold have appeared on various reality shows, including Celebrity Gogglebox and Celebrity Traitors. Balding, a viewer favorite, was eliminated early on Celebrity Traitors, shortly after Alan Carr’s win.
Balding’s Perspective on Reality TV
Given her experiences, Balding expressed hesitation to join another reality series. She remarked, “I probably wouldn’t do reality TV again.”
Reflecting on her journey with Celebrity Traitors, she acknowledged the show touched on deeper issues beyond simple entertainment. She embraced the humor inherent in the format, stating, “Humour is the most fabulous shield.”
Throughout her career in entertainment, Balding has maintained gratitude for the lessons learned and the relationships built, especially her camaraderie with fellow contestants like Alan Carr.
