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

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.
Thank you 🥹

📸 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/2LaUDNnqjd

— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) August 11, 2024

"They are the ones who make sure that everything we show you is the very best that we can offer.

"Most of all though, they call this the greatest show on earth... it would be nothing without our athletes.

"Our love, respect, and thanks to them for the hours they put in in the dark when no one was watching so that here when the world was watching, they could perform at their very best and bring us the joy of sport.

"Thank you, everyone, at home for watching and from Paris, for now, it is indeed Au Revoir."