The BBC presenter, Sue Barker has become as much of a Wimbledon staple as strawberries and cream. So, who is her husband Lance Tankard? Reality Rumors has more information on her marriage to Lance.
Born April 19, 1956, in Paignton Devon, Sue Barker picked up a tennis racquet for the first time at age ten. Sue has been a part of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage since 1993.
She rose to prominence after she won the 1976 French Open, which is also the 65-year-old’s only Grand Slam win.
Sue won 11 WTA Tour singles titles and was once ranked number three in the world.
14 June 1976: Sue Barker on her way to victory in the French Championships. | Credit: Allsport Hulton/Archive
Who is Sue Barker husband?
In 1988, Sue Barker married former policeman Lance Tankard. The couple met for the first time in Portugal, where Sue was working as a tennis coach and Lance was on holiday.
The two met again after returning to England while out for dinner. Not long after, their friendly relationship turned romantic.
Sue Barker with her husband Lance Tankard | Photo by Shutterstock
Since tying the knot in 1988, Sue and her husband Lance have been living happily together.
Talking with British journalist Nina Myskow in June 1999, Sue said,
‘We spend hours in the garden together. We’ve got 26 acres, lovely views, three dogs, and all sorts of wildlife. I’m settled. I’d never have thought it.’
Relationships before marrying Lance Tankard
Before marrying her current husband, Sue had exchanged rings with Australian tennis player, Syd Ball. Howbeit, they call their engagement off in 1978.
Four years later, in 1982, Barker dated Sir Cliff Richard, making them one of the most high-profile couples in the UK back then. However, they parted ways in 1986.
Sue Barker and Sir Cliff Richard once dated | Credit: REX/ Daily Mail
In 1993, Sir Cliff discussed the possibility of marriage, and described her as ‘the only girl I want to see at the moment.’
Talking with the Evening Times in November 1988, Richard said:
‘We were closer than just friends. She’s the only person with whom I’ve had that sort of relationship.’
In 2008, in an interview with The Telegraph, Richard also stated that he was seriously thinking about marrying her, but realized that he didn’t love her quite enough to commit for the rest of his life.
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Sue’s last year covering Wimbledon
Sadly, this year will be Sue’s last Wimbledon championships as she decided to call time on BBC.
Talking with Daily Mail, Barker said, ‘What a wonderful time I’ve had working on biggest sporting events around the globe.’
She continued,
‘Basically, I just feel the time is right. It has been my dream job and I have loved every minute of it working with so many great colleagues who I am going to miss so much.’
Further, she also stated that she feels like it is the right time to go and leave it to others.
