‘I enjoy it when things go wrong!'

Presenter Clare Balding on why Crufts remains ‘the world’s greatest dog show’

- TESS LAMACRAFT

CRUFTS NEW THURSDAY & FRIDAY / C4 & MORE4 / TIMES VARY / FACTUAL

Her star guests can’t speak and are often unpredictable but Clare Balding loves presenting Crufts.

Following a break last year due to the pandemic, ‘the world’s greatest dog show’ is back at the NEC Birmingham, and animal lover Clare, who has hosted C4’s coverage since 2013, can’t wait to meet the pick of this year’s 20,000 contenders

TV Times caught up with Clare, 51, for an exclusive chat to hear why she thrives on doggy treats…

What do you love most about presenting Crufts?

I love the sheer variety of breeds. There are hundreds and each one has a history, so I treat it as a big opportunity to learn, not just about animals but also about people, and discover why different countries and work require different dogs.

We hear there will be some new presenters joining you this year?