Richie Anderson is just one of the 15 contestants taking to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this year in the hopes of lifting the iconic glitterball.
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But how much do you know about the BBC radio and TV personality? Find out everything you need to know about the star here…
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Who is Richie Anderson?
Richie is best known for his radio and TV stints and currently presents the weekday travel news bulletin on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball.
He kick-started his career on BBC Radio West Midlands back in 2015, where he hosted his own show until March 2020. Before becoming a presenter, he reported on football matches for the station and was known as 'Roaming Richie' for his vox pops with fans.
As for his TV appearances, the 34-year-old has occasionally featured as a reporter on The One Show and previously contributed as a guest reviewer on Strictly's spin-off show, It Takes Two.
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Richie is clearly a man of many talents as he is also a former Sunday League footballer and played for Coombs Wood F.C.
© Photo: BBCRichie is a TV and radio presenter
Is Richie Anderson married?
Richie is not married. In a special segment for The One Show back in 2018, he came out as gay to his teammates following a football match.
Addressing the camera before speaking to his fellow players, he said: "It's funny really because in every other part of society, I'm out and proud. My friends know, my family know, but as soon as I'm here on a football pitch, it just feels like a taboo."
The radio reporter was met with a round of applause and plenty of support from his teammates.
© Photo: BBCThe cast of Strictly 2022
What has Richie said about joining Strictly?
Speaking to the BBC, Richie said: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel-good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it's just pure escapism.
"I'm going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show."
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