Clare Balding says 'it's killing me' as she shares update on decision with wife Alice

Clare Balding, who is fronting this year's Wimbledon coverage for the BBC, has opened up about the current setback in her life with her spouse Alice Arnold. After losing their beloved Tibetan terrier Archie in 2020, the pair have been on the hunt for a new dog, though Clare says the decision isn't one that can rushed.

While a guest on the Alright, Pet? podcast at the Good Woof festival, the 54-year-old broadcaster said last summer: "Here's the thing about responsible dog ownership, I'm going to be away all this summer doing the Olympics and Paralympics, this is not the time to bring a dog into my life, our life.

"And, we are also doing a big sort of house building project, so that we can move somewhere where we've got a bit more space, we're not close to a road, and we can have doors open all the time."

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Clare went on to insist that once their housing project is finished, she and Alice will consider getting another dog.

"It's killing me not to have a dog right now, but I know it's the right thing to wait," she confessed.

During an episode of her show Channel 5 programme Lost Dog, Found Dog, Clare spoke to a pet loss specialist, who offered advice on the appropriate steps to take following the death of a pet.

When asked if a grieving owner should get a new pet shortly after their loss, she advised: "It's different for everyone, but the most important thing is, it's what's best for the animal you do get.

"If you're in a unit that's made up of more than one person, you involve everybody in that decision because it's so so important.

"And what we often hear is that people try and replace [the dog] with the same breed, the same name, please don't because every dog is unique and has it's own character."

She also emphasised the importance of being mentally prepared to care for a new dog, after experiencing such a loss.

More recently, while appearing on Good Morning Britain, Clare insisted that she and Alice were one step closer to becoming dog parents again, though stressed that they were taking their time with the decision.

For now, Clare is busy presenting live BBC coverage from Wimbledon, and come September, she will be touring to promote her latest book.

Alongside Isa Guha, she leads the daily Wimbledon coverage on TV, which is broadcast on BBC One, BBC Two, and available on BBC iPlayer.

Discussing her involvement, she commented: "I love being part of such a good team and learning from them about the new players who stepping into the void left by Federer, Nadal and Murray.

"I'm excited to see how Jack Draper can progress and of course see the latest instalment of the Alcaraz/Sinner rivalry. Coco Gauff burst into our consciousness at only 15 when she beat Venus Williams on her Wimbledon debut.

"I'd love to see her reach her first final here and ultimately lift the title. It would be great to see a good run from Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu."