In a rare interview, Clare Balding, 55, has opened up about her 17-year marriage to Alice Arnold, 64, sharing the key elements that have kept their relationship strong over the years. The couple, who first met in 1999 while working at the BBC, got married in 2015 after years of building a strong foundation of trust, honesty, and laughter.
The Importance of Trust, Honesty, and Laughter
Clare revealed that the secret to their happy marriage lies in the mutual understanding they share. “Alice and I just have the most lovely time together, we have so much fun and we enjoy doing the same things to relax,” Clare said. She emphasized that both of them have a strong work ethic—with Alice working for Mellow Magic radio—and this mutual understanding has been key to balancing their busy careers while nurturing their relationship.
For Clare, it’s important to create quality time for her marriage. She explained, “I really value my time with Alice, so it has to be pretty special to take me away from that.” It’s clear that despite their demanding schedules, both Clare and Alice prioritize each other and the time they spend together.
Communication is Key
In their relationship, open communication plays a central role, especially when Clare is traveling for work. “If I am away doing Winter Olympics or something like that, we talk twice or three times a day and I will message all the time,” Clare said. This constant communication helps them maintain their connection despite the physical distance.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Clare has also shared that her romantic journey was not always clear-cut. Reflecting on her earlier dating life, Clare admitted that she initially had relationships with men but felt more comfortable with women as time went on. She explained how, after a serious relationship with a man ended, she realized she was truly drawn to women. Alice has since become Clare’s longest and most serious relationship, marking a chapter of her life that is now filled with trust, understanding, and love.
Clare’s Work with BT and the Digital Voice Campaign
Clare’s involvement with the BT campaign “Don’t Put Off The Switch” aims to raise awareness about the upcoming retirement of the analogue landline network in the UK by January 2027. The campaign emphasizes the importance of switching to Digital Voice before the old system is phased out. Clare, known for her advocacy on various issues, explains how Digital Voice will provide more security and protection from scams and spam calls. “I think it’s just about trying to get a message out there because most people aren’t aware,” she said, encouraging everyone to make the switch in time to avoid last-minute hassle.
A Love That Continues to Grow
Clare and Alice’s story is one of mutual respect, joy, and dedication. From Clare’s openness about their love story to her efforts in raising awareness about important issues like digital security, their relationship remains a testament to the power of communication and shared values. It’s clear that Clare and Alice’s bond is built on more than just love—it’s also grounded in respect for each other’s work, beliefs, and passions.
