Clare Balding has replaced John Inverdale as the face of BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, two years after he made sexist comments about women’s champion Marion Bartoli.
Inverdale’s coveted position presenting the highlights show will now be fronted by the high profile TV personality.
The 57-year-old hasn’t been dropped completely from the commenting team, but will have a more diminished role.
Balding tweeted: “Sad not to be doing 5 Live at Wimbledon this year but it’s for a good reason”
Sad not to be doing 5 Live at Wimbledon this year but it’s for a good reason: http://t.co/L1FLAAFMaw pic.twitter.com/LlAdUOcvUO
— Clare Balding (@clarebalding) June 9, 2015
The BBC apologised after Inverdale said that French player Marion Bartoli was ‘never going to be a looker’ on Radio 5 just after defeating Sabine Lisicki to win the women’s final.
Former US Open champion and three-time Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick is also set to join the BBC team along with sporting stalwart Sue Barker.
Roddick said: “I’m honoured to join the BBC team for Wimbledon.
“The Championships will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to come back to cover them.”
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks
