'So far my 50s have been PRETTY TERRIFIC'

Presenter Clare Balding chats tennis, royal connections and why it’s important not to worry about what other people think of you

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When Sue Barker announced her retirement from the helm of Wimbledon coverage last summer, after 30 years, there seemed only one person who could step up. And while Clare Balding is a veteran of the tournament herself – she started there in 1995 as a reporter and worked her way up to presenting the highlights show – the star insists she could never completely ll Sue’s shoes. I’m very excited, but no one person could ever replace Sue,’ she tells woman&home. It’s just about having a brilliant team around you and getting the best out of them, and trying to make people feel like they are there with you, so they know more about the players, and they care about them.’

Her stellar career has seen Clare, now 52, work across seven Olympic Games and six Paralympic Games, as well as hosting the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, Crufts and royal coverage including Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and, more recently, the King’s coronation. And as she gets older, the presenter says opportunities only get better.

‘So far, my 50s have been pretty bloody terrific,’ she admits. ‘More interesting jobs have come up. You move into a space where you’re more aware of people respecting your view because you’ve done it for a long time. I still have the same drive I’ve always had, but these days, it’s about picking the jobs you want to do and will enjoy, rather than ones that will pay the mortgage.’

Before we begin woman&home’s cover shoot at Hampton Hill’s Vine Lodge, where the