Clare Balding confirmed as Sue Barker’s replacement on BBC Wimbledon coverage

Clare Balding at Wimbledon last summer (John Walton/PA)

Eleanor Crooks

March 09 2023 01:32 PM

The BBC has confirmed that Clare Balding will succeed Sue Barker as its lead presenter for Wimbledon this summer.

Barker stepped down at the end of last year’s tournament following 30 years covering one of the British broadcaster’s flagship events.

Balding, who has worked on Wimbledon for TV and radio since 1995, was the favourite from the start and Barker accidentally let the news slip after receiving the lifetime achievement award at the BT Sport Action Woman Awards last November.

“I know I’m leaving it in the safest hands, it’s absolutely wonderful to leave it with Clare,” said Barker, a former French Open champion and Wimbledon semi-finalist.

Now it has been officially confirmed, Balding 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.”

Balding had presented the evening highlights show from Wimbledon along with other duties, and director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: “We are thrilled to announce 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.”

Former England cricketer Isa Guha will again have a key role in the coverage and will present the start of play each day before Balding takes over.

Barker was lauded by tennis greats and the British public last summer during her final tournament and was in tears on Centre Court after being given a standing ovation during her final broadcast.

This year’s Wimbledon championships begin on Monday, July 3.

Welcome!

Welcome! Discover your full benefits as a Premium subscriber.

Clare Balding confirmed as Sue Barker’s replacement on BBC Wimbledon coverage

Most Watched

Upright gorilla goes viral for human-like walk

Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s Limerick pronunciation fail goes viral

Rare sighting of a cuckoo bird in Galway

Meet the cat with a scouse accent

Sports News In 90 Seconds

Latest Tennis

Most Read

Latest

Welcome!

Welcome! Discover your full benefits as a Premium subscriber.

Clare Balding confirmed as Sue Barker’s replacement on BBC Wimbledon coverage

We need your consent to load this Social Media content

We need your consent to load this Social Media content

Most Watched

Upright gorilla goes viral for human-like walk

Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s Limerick pronunciation fail goes viral

Rare sighting of a cuckoo bird in Galway

Meet the cat with a scouse accent

Sports News In 90 Seconds

Latest Tennis

Most Read

Latest