Clare Balding's heartbreaking family loss meant she 'kept bursting into tears'

Clare Balding has opened up about "kept bursting into tears" following the devastating loss of a family member. The BBC Sport presenter revealed that she always looked forward to getting a dog when she met her wife Alice.

The couple eventually welcomed a Tibetan terrier named Archie into their lives. But in 2020, Clare shared that they faced the heart-wrenching decision to have Archie put to sleep.

Clare has previously expressed that it was the "best decision" for their beloved pet but admits she "thinks about him every day". To honour Archie's memory, Clare felt compelled to walk his favourite path repeatedly after his passing.

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In a candid chat with The Times, Clare confessed: "After Archie died in 2020 I wanted to walk his favourite route repeatedly to remember him, which seems a rather masochistic thing to do, and it was so painful because we kept seeing dogs we knew, and I'd stop to say hello before bursting into tears. We cried a heck of a lot, but slowly it became easier."

Clare mentioned that Archie's absence has left a "dog-shaped hole" in her heart. Despite the sorrow, she and Alice are considering a move to the countryside, which could pave the way for a new canine companion, reports Wales Online.

Clare, 54, added: "We're looking to move out of London, and one of the main reasons for that is to have a bit more space and protection from the road so it's a good environment for a dog. As soon as we're settled, it's our plan - probably next spring. I smile at the thought of having a dog back in our lives."

Clare previously revealed to MailOnline that she yearns for "everything a dog brings" into her world, from brisk winter strolls to the "enthusiastic greeting" Archie would offer her upon returning from work.

She described Archie as the "perfect dog" due to his non-shedding coat, which was crucial for Alice, who suffers from dog allergies. Clare, who hosts Crufts on Channel 4, explained: "Tibetan terriers are small enough to pick up but strong enough to go on long walks.

"They are intelligent, loyal and full of character. They are good guard dogs but don't yap without cause."

In Clare's memoir Isle of Dogs, Alice revealed that allowing her wife to have a canine companion was among the "original commitments" she made during their early relationship, vowing she would "never go back" on that pledge. The former Radio 4 presenter confirms they will eventually welcome another dog, meaning Clare will "no longer have to go on long walks without a lead in her hand".

Clare gained prominence on BBC National Radio during the 1990s, with stints across Radio One, Radio Two, Radio 4, and 5Live. Throughout her broadcasting journey, she has covered major sporting occasions including the Olympic Games and Wimbledon.

Clare has also helmed Channel 4 Racing, featuring Royal Ascot coverage, and even launched her own programme, The Clare Balding Show, across BT Sport and BBC Two.

She currently hosts Ramblings, a countryside-focused series, on Radio 4. Clare is set to feature on Celebrity Traitors when it broadcasts in October.