Clare Balding to host chatshow on BT Sport

Clare Balding (Getty Images)

Clare Balding has landed her own chatshow which will see her interview some of the biggest names in sport.

The broadcaster, who was widely praised for her role in front of the cameras during the 2012 Olympics, will present the weekly show on the BT Sport channel.

She said: "I'd like to thank BT for giving me the opportunity to present my own magazine style programme in which I can interview iconic sports stars and discuss newsworthy and stimulating topics. I'm enthused by BT's vision for sports coverage in the future and particularly their support of women's sport, an issue about which I feel very strongly. This is an exciting new venture for me and I can't wait to get started."

Balding will continue working with the BBC as well as presenting Channel 4's racing coverage alongside the new BT show which has a working title of Clare Balding Presents.

BT has recently moved into sports broadcasting and has won the rights to show 38 live games a season from the Barclays Premier League, including 18 of the top clashes, for three years from this August.

Its new channel, BT Sport, has also signed deals to show live rugby union games and women's tennis.

PA