From Radio 2 to Rural Britain: Richie Anderson’s New Chapter on Escape to the Country
New Horizons for BBC Presenter
BBC broadcaster Richie Anderson is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his career as the newly announced presenter of BBC One’s property show ‘Escape to the Country’, with his first episode set to air this Monday, focusing on the Midlands region.
A Growing Media Presence
Anderson has established himself as a familiar voice on BBC Radio 2, where he currently keeps the nation updated with travel news during weekday afternoons and hosts his own Sunday night show. He regularly covers for some of the station’s most popular programmes, including shows by Rylan, Dermot O’Leary, and Sara Cox.
Speaking about his new role on Escape to the Country, which assists house hunters looking to relocate to the countryside, Anderson expressed enthusiasm about the rewarding nature of the job: “There’s so much that goes into it and it’s so rewarding when you show people around these houses. You can see the cogs turning and them thinking ‘oh my goodness me, this could really work for us’.”
Diverse Portfolio
Anderson’s television career has been marked by notable achievements, including his work as a regular presenter on BBC One’s The One Show, where he has created impactful films that earned him an RTS Award. His prime-time TV experience includes participating in Strictly Come Dancing’s second all-male partnership in 2022 and co-hosting the Platinum Party at the Palace for The Queen’s Jubilee.
Local Roots and Professional Growth
Despite his rising success, Anderson remains grounded in his roots, reflecting, “As a boy from Smethwick, who grew up just four miles down the road with big teeth and glasses, I couldn’t believe I got a show on Radio 2.” He maintains close connections with his former colleagues, including Zoe Ball, whom he describes as “one of my best friends and has probably been the biggest influence on my career.”
Beyond his broadcasting work, Anderson has shown commitment to charitable causes, notably raising over £877,000 in 2020 for Sport Relief during a challenging event with Jo Whiley and Reverend Kate Bottley.