
BBC Escape To The Country announcement sees Strictly star join line-up
The Strictly Come Dancing star has announced that he has landed a new TV gig on Escape To The Country.
Escape To The Country returns soon with a new series
(Image: BBC)
Richie Anderson, known for his stint on Strictly Come Dancing, is set to join the presenting team of Escape To The Country.
The radio host, who danced with Giovanni Pernice in the 2022 series of Strictly and was the second pair to leave the competition, will be part of the 26th series of the beloved property show.
Escape to the Country's latest series promises 50 episodes showcasing the stunning rural landscapes that Britain has to offer.
The programme, a hit among daytime viewers, features presenters guiding potential buyers as they explore some of Britain's most idyllic country properties, offering an alternative to urban living.
Richie and Giovanni were the second couple eliminated from Strictly in 2022
(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )
In his debut episode, Richie will assist a couple from Birmingham in their search for a dream home with plenty of character in the Midlands countryside, according to the BBC, reports Birmingham Live.
Richie, who also contributes to The One Show and has been involved with the BBC's Eurovision coverage, expressed his delight: "It's a real honour to be joining such an iconic TV programme and a brilliant family of presenters."
He added, "Escape to the Country is one of the reasons I moved out of London for a quieter, more rural way of life."
Richie is a radio presenter and has covered Eurovision in the past
(Image: BBC)
Richie shared his enthusiasm about sharing his passion for the countryside with the show's participants: "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 said: "For over two decades, Escape to the Country has brought heart and heritage to viewers.
The BBC has teased Richie's first episode of Escape To The Country
(Image: BBC)
"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."
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Richie becomes part of the established Escape to the Country presenting team, joining 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 upcoming series.
Escape to the Country will return with its 26th series to BBC One and iPlayer later this month.
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