New series of the Clare Balding show to be broadcast on BT Sport and BBC Two

BBC Two has acquired the rights from BT Sport to show the new series of The Clare Balding Show in an innovative new deal, which will see the show screened on both channels. 

The new 12-show series starts on April 2. The weekly hour-long entertainment and sport chat show will air on BT Sport on Thursdays with a half-hour show airing on BBC Two the following evening.

Viewers will see Clare Balding interview the biggest and best of British and international sportsmen and women in a fun, open and relaxed setting. Past guests on the show have included Sir Alex Ferguson, Mike Tyson, Martina Navratilova, Mark Cavendish, Dame Kelly Holmes and Jose Mourinho. It will be filmed at the BT Sport studio in London in front of a live audience who get the chance to ask their heroes and heroines questions. 

The show includes an exciting blend of high-profile sporting revelations, humorous banter and topical debates headed by Britain's most loved sports presenter. 

Clare Balding said: "I'm delighted that The Clare Balding Show will now reach a brand new audience via the BBC following this unprecedented deal. This series provides a rare opportunity for sportsmen and women to reveal their true personalities, away from the pressure of competition."

"Over the last two years we've hosted major sporting names in front of a live audience, we've broken stories, we've laughed and we've asked tough questions. I really hope people will appreciate the relaxed, fun nature of the programme and that it appeals to non-sports fans as well as committed enthusiasts. I work with a great team at BT and Boomerang and we all love making the series - I hope BBC Two viewers will love it too." 

Kim Shillinglaw, controller BBC Two, said: "I want BBC Two to be great company and who better to spend time with than the wonderful Clare Balding. I'm delighted that her lively discussion programme, with some of the brightest and best sports personalities, is coming to the channel."

Simon Green, Head of BT Sport, said: "We're delighted that Clare is back for a new series and that we are teaming up with the BBC again to showcase the fantastic Clare Balding Show. This partnership will enable even more people to enjoy Clare's passion for tackling the issues that count combined with a wicked sense of humour and is essential viewing for all sport lovers looking for an evening's entertainment with a twist."

The show will continue to be produced by Boomerang part of the Twofour Group in association with Clearly Clare Productions.