HEARTBREAKING: Clare Balding names ‘worst’ thing happened to her live on BBC
Clare shared that live TV doesn’t always go to plan (Image: Getty)
Clare Balding has opened up on the “worst” thing that has ever happened to her live on air, as she admitted that “things always go wrong”. The 55-year-old broadcaster has been presenting at Wimbledon this week as the tennis tournament raged on.
Speaking to the Telegraph previously, Clare shared the “worst thing” that ever happened live on air. She said: “Things are always going wrong in live television and I think you earn your money when you have to fill. The longest one was at Badminton Horse Trials when there was a hold-up on the cross-country course. The editor said in my ear-piece ‘I don’t know how long we’re going to want you to fill for.’ I said ‘What do you want me to say?’ To which he said ‘No idea but we’re about to find out. Cue Clare.'”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The presenter has been hosting at Wimbledon (Image: Getty)
In the same interview, the BBC Sports presenter also opened up on her worst ever health scare as she revealed that in December 2008, she noticed a large lump on her throat. “The tests revealed thyroid cancer,” she said.
“I was lucky. Three operations and a round of radioactive iodine therapy and it was gone. The upside was that it made me more determined than ever to grab every opportunity with both hands, to live life to the full.”
In the past, Clare also revealed the single piece of music she wishes to be played at her funeral, as she reflected on “galloping off the planet” when her time comes.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Her comments arose during a discussion about her relationship with her late father, Ian Balding, a racehorse trainer with a love of cricket, in which she explained how sport was something they bonded over.
She said: “I loved sport from a very early age. And I think I realised it was a way of having a conversation with my father. If the cricket was on, you know, he would be watching all five days of a test match.
“So I needed to know about cricket. Obvious, I needed to know about horses. I wasn’t really into racing, and my dad was a racehorse trainer, but I had no interest in racing until I started riding in races at the age of 16.”
She went on: “I was always humming and singing to them. Whether I knew what tune I was singing is neither here nor there, but the Black Beauty theme music is very strong in my head.
“And I’ve always said I want it at my funeral. I can sort of imagine galloping off the planet, off the earth, to that music.”
