Strictly Come Dancing 2022: who is Smethwick’s BBC Radio Two presenter Richie Anderson & who is his partner?

Richie Anderson was confirmed as one of the 15 contestants for the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing along with the rest of the competitors in August.

The BBC Radio Two presenter, when describing his appearance in the show, could not hide his excitement when Anderson told the BBC: “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.”

Here is everything you need to know about Richie Anderson including who he is paired with for Strictly 2022.

Who is Richie Anderson?

Richie Anderson is an acclaimed broadcaster and journalist, as well as an RTS award winning presenter.

The 34-year-old is best known for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, accompanying Zoe Ball, as well as presenting the travel bulletins and a series of his own shows.

Richie also had the opportunity to cover the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, as well as regularly presenting BBC One’s The One Show.

Who is Richie Anderson’s Strictly Come Dancing partner?

The official pairings for the 20th series of the dancing competition have been revealed, as a cast of world-class professional dancers and exciting celebrities come together.

Richie Anderson could not be happier with his pairing, as it was revealed he has been coupled up with professional Giovanni Pernice, who is the reigning Strictly Come Dancing champion.

Before his partner was announced, the presenter admitted what he was hoping for: “As the great 80s philosopher Sinitta said, he’s got to be big and strong enough to whirl me around the dancefloor!”

How to watch Richie Anderson on Strictly Come Dancing?

The start date of Strictly Come Dancing was initially set for Saturday, September 17, but was pushed back because of the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The first scheduled live show will now take place on Saturday, September 24, broadcast from 6.45pm to 9pm.

Strictly Come Dancing is shown live on BBC One every weekend, and is available for catch-up via BBC iPlayer.

Full Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line-up

The following is the full contestant line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2022:

• Will Mellor
• Kym Marsh
• Richie Anderson
• Kaye Adams
• Jayde Adams
• Ellie Simmonds
• Tyler West
• Matt Goss
• Ellie Taylor
• Molly Rainford
• Tony Adams MBE
• Fleur East
• Hamza Yassin
• James Bye
• Helen Skelton