Social media users have been left puzzled as Channel 4 revealed Clare Balding will be part of the broadcaster's lineup for its general election coverage.
Former Newsnight and BBC presenter Emily Maitlis will co-host the election special alongside Channel 4 news presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Hosts of The Rest is Politics podcast Rory Stewart and Tony Blair's former communications chief Alastair Campbell will also form part of Channel 4's team alongside stars of Gogglebox.
But it was the inclusion of Crufts presenter and BBC Sports star Balding to analyse incoming data that has left many people on X/ Twitter feeling baffled as one asked if she would be sent to the paddock to check out the form of the runners.
Channel 4's early announcement shows a move away from its previous offering of an 'Alternative Election Night' featuring comedians after viewers slated 2019's coverage.
Crufts presenter Clare Balding will form part of the lineup for Channel 4's general election coverage
Channel 4's lineup for its general election coverage will feature (pictured left to right) Cathy Newman, Rory Stewart, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Emily Maitlis, Alastair Campbell and Clare Balding
Channel 4 lost half its viewers compared to the 2017 general election as they enlisted presenter Rylan Clark-Neal and comedian Katherine Ryan to help anchor Mr Guru-Murthy.
But it didn't go down well with the voting public, as it recorded figures of 240,000 - way down on 2017's 570,000, and eclipsed by 1.2m in 2015 and 1.4m in 2010.
The date of the next general election has yet to be announced. The local elections will take place on May 2.
One person simply questioned 'why?' Balding was chosen in Channel 4's line-up, while another joked: 'I know it's probably going to be a one horse race. But that's ridiculous.'
Another said they did not know 'how Clare Balding works'. 'Is she going to down in the paddock covering th form of the various runners.'
While a third jibed: 'Clare Balding part of Channel 4's election coverage. About time #DogsAtPollingStations got the coverage it deserves.'
Although the lineup was described as 'great' by one X user, he too was left to question the decision to hire Balding.
'Great lineup but what the hell is Clare Balding doing there?,' he wrote.
'I don’t hate her or anything, but it does seem like she makes a living offering opinions on things she’s completely unqualified in. What are her credentials here, exactly? Certainly not politics—am I missing something?'
Others though were quick to defend her inclusion with one person arguing: 'Yes. Clare Balding.
'A TV Presenter, with vast experience, being given a TV presenting job. I just don’t see what’s so remarkable about that? She has skills in communicating information, often detailed. These should be welcomed.'
The inclusion of 53-year-old journalist Maitlis - co-host of The News Agents podcast - is being seen as a major coup for the broadcaster.
She said: 'I'm delighted to be bringing The News Agents to the heart of Channel 4 on this important night and to work with such an incredible cast of people. I cannot wait.'
X/ Twitter users have been left baffled by Balding's inclusion in Channel 4's general election coverage lineup
Throughout the night, Maitlis and Guru-Murthy will be joined by Stewart and Campbell, who will host a live version of their hit podcast The Rest is Politics as the results come in.
The duo will also be joined by some familiar faces from the reality TV show Gogglebox.
Elsewhere, broadcaster Cathy Newman will present from the Labour and Conservative campaign headquarters while Balding will break down the data as it comes in.
Channel 4 News political editor Gary Gibbon will deliver analysis and a team of reporters will be at key counts across the country to capture the drama as the results are declared.
Guru-Murthy, 54, said: 'I'm so looking forward to joining this brilliant line-up of people to capture an exciting and historic night.
'We will have piercing analysis, sharp interviews and all those memorable moments as the results come in.
'I think this is going to be one of those rare election nights we remember for decades so I hope viewers will enjoy spending it with us.'
The move away from the broadcaster's 'alternative election night' offering comes after 2019's coverage was slated as millions turned off in their droves.
