Clare Balding distracts BBC Olympics viewers with closing ceremony appearance: 'Blimey!'

Clare Blading caused quite a stir on Sunday evening when she took her seat to front the coverage of the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

Kicking off alongside Fred Sirieix, Chris Hoy Laura Kenny, Balding and the BBC punditry team were reporting live from the Stade de France as this year's games drew to a close.

The evening was littered with talking points, including more anti-Christian backlash to the ceremony's artistic performance as it edged towards its climax.

However, for viewers in the UK, it was Balding who set social media alight within minutes of the show starting as many viewers were taken aback by her outfit choice.

Balding sported an eye-popping green silk blazer with fluorescent pink trim alongside a mustard-yellow shirt and multi-coloured necklace.

She completed the look with a pair of white trousers and while her outfit didn't deter from the events unfolding with her colleagues, it certainly did with those watching at home.

Taking to X within minutes of the ceremony's coverage kicking off, one fan penned: "Blimey. We won’t be losing Clare Balding in the crowd."

A second quipped: "In the spirit of sustainability the BBC have chopped up Rebecca Adlingtons dresses and made Clare Balding a jacket #BBCOlympics."

The jokes kept on coming as a third teased: "Excited to see Clare Balding take to the stage during the Olympics Closing Ceremony with her Jimi Hendrix tribute act."

And a fourth was bemused as they asked: "What the heck is Claire Balding wearing, she looks like a parrot."

Elsewhere, others were similarly distracted but for more positive reasons as one praised: "Loving @clarebalding outfit on @BBCSport @Olympics tonight. Really enjoying this highlight show."

And a second weighed in: "In a crowded field, @clarebalding has tonight taken Olympic gold in BBC anchor outfits. Lifetime achievement award for the necklace in particular." (sic)

Besides the chatter around her outfit, Balding also received plaudits from viewers at home for her presenting skills as she covered the four-hour-long extravaganza without a hitch.

And many applauded the presenter for her heartfelt sign-off at the end of the evening as she paid tribute to the vast number of people at the BBC and the Team GB athletes for their efforts.

Alongside Hoy and Michael Johnson, Balding signed off this year's games by saying: "On behalf of everyone here, whether it be in front of the camera, presenters, reporters, commentators, pundits... we want to thank those you don't see and hear, those behind the scenes, both here in Paris and in Salford.

"For some, it's their first Olympics, for a special few it's their last games.

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The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are over.
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