BBC Strictly Come Dancing star lands new TV role in major career move

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Richie Anderson is set to charm viewers in a brand-new role on Escape To The Country.

The radio ace, who took to the dance floor in Strictly's 2022 series alongside Giovanni Pernice, and was the second duo to be voted off, with Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal ultimately clinching the glitterball trophy.

Richie is now poised to join the presenting team for the much-anticipated 26th series of Escape to the Country.

The upcoming series promises a grand tour of Britain's stunning rural vistas over 50 episodes.

Escape to the Country, a firm favourite among daytime TV watchers, features presenters guiding potential buyers as they seek out idyllic country homes, leaving behind the urban frenzy, reports Birmingham Live.

In his debut episode, Richie will be seen assisting a couple from Birmingham in their quest for an enchanting character home in the Midlands countryside, as hinted by the BBC.

The Radio 2 stalwart, known for his stints on The One Show and his involvement in the BBC's Eurovision Song Contest coverage, expressed his delight: "It's a real honour to be joining such an iconic TV programme and a brilliant family of presenters.

"Escape to the Country is one of the reasons I moved out of London for a quieter, more rural way of life.

"I'm excited to pass on my love of the countryside to our house hunters, and it's a privilege to share such a personal experience with them and help tell their story.

"My first episode is in my stomping ground in The Midlands, an area that is often overlooked when it comes to country life, so I can't wait to show you some hidden gems."

John Comerford, Head of Naked West (a Fremantle label), also commented: "For over two decades, Escape to the Country has brought heart and heritage to viewers.

"It celebrates the character of the British countryside and the nation's superb historic rural housing stock. The series also helps real people take a leap into a whole new life.

"We're excited to welcome Richie to the Escape family of fantastic presenters."

Richie will join the established Escape to the Country presenting team of Alistair Appleton, Briony May Williams, Denise Nurse, Ginny Buckley, Jules Hudson, Nicki Chapman, Sonali Shah and Steve Brown, all of whom will appear throughout the new series.

Escape to the Country will return with its 26th series to BBC One and iPlayer later this month.