BBC have "ultimate pro" backed to shine as they replace Sue Barker at Wimbledon

02 July 2023 , 15:50

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Sue Barker's final Wimbledon was last year (Image: PA)

The BBC's new lead host of Wimbledon, Clare Balding, has been backed to shine while replacing Sue Barker at this summer's tournament.

Last year, Barker made the emotional decision to call time on her 30-year presenting stint at SW19. As tennis greats paid tribute, attention soon turned to who'd be replacing the iconic host.

Balding was confirmed to do so in March, having been part of the BBC's coverage since 1995. Former England cricket star Isa Guha will share the presenting duties for a second year and speaking to the Press Association, has backed co-host Balding to thrive.

"Clare is the ultimate professional," Guha declared. "She's got so much energy about her and that's what she brings to the screen. You very much feel you're in there with her when she's talking to you.

"I think she wants to do it in a way that's true to her and that's bringing that energy. I think as people who haven't played tennis to a professional standard, it's asking those questions the general audience wants to hear. You get that different take."

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So, what will their different take be? Although there won't be any drastic changes to the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon, Guha and Balding will freshen up the landscape.

"No one can ever be Sue Barker," the ex-cricketer acknowledged. "she was who she was because she was true to herself as an individual, and that’s what made her so special. I just do the best I can to bring the best out of my guests.

Have your say! Will Clare Balding be a good replacement for Sue Barker? Let us know in the comments section.

Clare Balding will lead the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon (Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

"The role as a presenter is really managing the traffic and giving the audience what they want but also trying to make it fun as well as informative. I love the dynamism of broadcast and being able to throw it around a bit. I don't think we'll be moving too far away from what's made it successful but we’d love to get out and about. I think that dynamism is really important."

Balding, 52, is certainly relishing the opportunity, saying in a statement upon her confirmation earlier this year: "It's a huge honour to be given this responsibility but I am very aware that no one person can fill Sue's shoes. 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."

There's pressure coming from John McEnroe (PA)

Tennis legend John McEnroe insists that Balding has big shoes to fill, telling the i paper: "Yeah, that (Barker's absence) is going to be a bummer. Sue is a legend. She was incredible at what she did, so it’s going to be a void.

"It's like when [Bjorn] Borg didn't play. For us, it was a huge thing. So especially since I've been doing this, the other side, the commentary side, for as long as I have been doing it with her, she just makes it easier for everyone around her.

"And she did that for 25 years or something. So it's a tough act to follow. The old cliche: all good things come to an end. She decided that this was enough, go out I guess on a high. And God bless her. Hopefully, she'll come by and say hello."

Nathan Ridley