Richie Anderson on 'rewarding' new presenting role

Richie Anderson, a well-known broadcaster from Smethwick, is stepping into a new role as the presenter of BBC One's popular property show 'Escape to the Country. ' Ahead of his first episode, Richie described the experience as 'rewarding,' sharing his excitement about helping people find their dream homes in the countryside. The show, which airs on Monday and focuses on the Midlands, features Richie guiding house hunters through the process of moving from busy cities to peaceful rural areas. He praised the team behind the show, saying, 'There's so much that goes into it and it's so rewarding when you show people around these houses. ' Richie enjoys watching the guests consider new possibilities for their lives and homes, noting, 'You can see the cogs turning and them thinking oh my goodness me, this could really work for us. '

Richie believes that moving house is a deeply personal journey for the show's guests. He finds it fascinating to learn about their backgrounds and what they are looking for in a new home. 'I think that's what's special about Escape to the Country. These house hunters - you're really rooting for them and it's my job to get their stories out of them,' he explained. Richie is also a familiar voice on BBC Radio 2, where he presents travel reports during weekday afternoons and occasionally hosts other shows. He reflected on his journey from growing up in Smethwick to landing a job on Radio 2, saying, '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. ' Richie has a close friendship with Zoe Ball, a former breakfast show host, and credits her as a major influence on his career. 'We still speak every day. She's one of my best friends and has probably been the biggest influence on my career,' he said.

Richie also shared memories from his time as a contestant on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2022, which he said had a significant impact on his life. 'It changes your life in the way that when you finish the show, you can't do the big shop,' he joked, referring to how people now recognize him in public. Despite his increased fame, Richie insists he remains the same person, still supporting his favorite football team, West Bromwich Albion, and shopping at Aldi. Looking ahead, Richie is open to new opportunities, saying, 'I'm the type of person who would consider anything. I've got to pay off that washing machine somehow. ' His first episode of 'Escape to the Country' airs at 3pm on Monday and will be available on BBC iPlayer. Richie expressed his fondness for returning to BBC Radio WM, describing its listeners as having 'the biggest hearts. ' His story is one of hard work, friendship, and staying true to himself even as his career continues to grow.