Strictly Come Dancing 2022: who is Smethwick-born Richie Anderson, how old is he - and what is his job?

Presenter Richie Anderson has been announced as one of the celebrity personalities taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The show is set to return in September with a whole new lineup of celebrities eager to claim the coveted Strictly title.

Richie told the BBC that it is a “dream come true” to be a contestant on the show.

He 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.”

Richie, who is 34-years-old, shared the news on his official Instagram account, telling his followers once again that the chance to go on Strictly Come Dancing was a dream come true.

He wrote: “Can’t believe I’m typing this I’M GOING TO BE ON STRICTLY COME DANCING 2022

“My dream has come true. I can’t wait to get in the iconic ballroom. Good luck to my pro partner, as my dancing skills have previously been compared to Bambi on ice bring it on.”

Who is Richie Anderson?

Richie is an RTS award winning presenter and is best known for his well-established role on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Zoe Ball, presenting the travel bulletins as well as hosting a wide variety of his own shows.

In May he travelled to Turin to cover the Eurovision Song Contest for the station. A regular presenter on The One Show, he is often seen on BBC One and was proud to be part of the channel’s recent Platinum Jubilee coverage.

Where is Richie Anderson from?

Richie Stephen Anderson was born in Smethwick, Birmingham in October 1987. He once played football for West Midlands Sunday League outfit Coombs Wood FC and his love of football is reflected in his support of West Bromwich Albion FC.

Was Richie Anderson involved in the Commonwealth Games?

Richie was heavily involved in presenting some aspects of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As well as broadcasting live for The One Show, he was also part of the  Queens Baton team and was pictured alongside Sir Lenny Henry.

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2022 start?

Although not officially confirmed, we can expect to see the show start on either Saturday 10 or Saturday 17 September.

It will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC HD as well as on the BBC iPlayer.