I don't know if you've noticed this (you probably haven't, as it's been very gradually done and I don't think anyone's noticed), but...just between us...I think the BBC is using Clare Balding quite a bit these days.
From rugby to tennis, from rambling to religion, Clare seems to be everywhere on the BBC.
She was even helping Her Majesty to give the Colour its annual Trooping today by doing a spot of presentation for the BBC (and a fine Trooping it was too, Ma'am).
Now, perhaps unlike some of you, I rather like Clare but...
As a big Springwatch fan I'm a bit worried that Chris Packham is going to be dropped before Autumnwatch and replaced by Clare Balding...
...and that all the live cameras will be focused on Clare Balding rather than on the birds...
...and that Michaela will get overly excited and do herself a mischief every time Clare appears on camera...
...and that poor Martin will end up dangling from a tree and showing us nothing but pie charts charting conservationists' extraordinary success in re-introducing the pied balding (baldingus omnipresentus) to the UK's woodlands, moors, TV studios, parade grounds, tennis courts, churches, radio studios, etc,..
...breaking news...breaking news...breaking news...
The BBC has just announced that Clare Balding will be replacing HRH Prince Philip next year in the Trooping the Colour ceremony. She will stand alongside the Queen and take the salute from any passing women's regiments whilst simultaneously commenting on the event.
Prince Philip will be confined, along with John Inverdale and Huw Edwards, to that building where the lesser royals congregate and look out of windows, forlornly.
(Prince Philip and John Inverdale will, I suspect, get along splendidly though.)
