Clare Balding Declines Strictly Following Wife’s Ultimatum
Clare Balding has made headlines by declining an invitation to participate in the beloved BBC series, Strictly Come Dancing. As she recently celebrated her 55th birthday, Balding revealed two primary reasons behind her decision.
Reasons for Rejecting Strictly Come Dancing
Balding humorously highlighted her perceived lack of dancing talent, stating, “It’s not something anybody needs to see.” Beyond her self-assessment, she disclosed that her wife, Alice Arnold, was adamant about her not joining the show. During an appearance on the Smart TV podcast, Balding recounted the impact of Arnold’s ultimatum: “You can say yes to that if you like, but I won’t be here when you come back.” This remark aligns with the well-known “Strictly curse,” associated with relationships ending among contestants.
Clare Balding and Alice Arnold’s Relationship
Balding and Arnold’s relationship began over 16 years ago, forming a friendship that eventually blossomed into love. The couple tied the knot in 2015, solidifying their bond after years of partnership while they were involved in different romantic relationships. Arnold reminisced about their first meeting, highlighting her admiration for Balding’s talent but never anticipating a romantic connection. She stated, “I just knew I liked her, and she was fun.”
Post-Marriage Appearances
- Married in 2015
- 16 years of friendship prior to marriage
- Featured on various reality shows, including Celebrity Gogglebox and Celebrity Traitors
In Celebrity Traitors, Balding became a viewer favorite but was eliminated early in the competition, shortly after Alan Carr’s victory.
Balding’s Perspective on Reality TV
Given her experiences, Balding expressed reluctance to participate in further reality TV projects, stating, “I probably wouldn’t do reality TV again.” However, she did acknowledge that her journey with Celebrity Traitors tackled deeper issues beyond mere entertainment. Embracing the humor integral to the format, Balding remarked, “Humour is the most fabulous shield.” Throughout her career, she has expressed gratitude for the lessons learned and the relationships formed, particularly with fellow contestants like Alan Carr.
