ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY: RICHIE ANDERSON JOINS PRESENTING LINE-UP OF BBC DAYTIME HIT

Naked West (a Fremantle label) has announced that Richie Anderson will be joining the roster of presenters for the upcoming 26th series of the BBC long-running daytime institution, Escape to the Country.

With the new series spanning 50 episodes, the show offers plenty of opportunities to showcase the stunning rural landscapes of the UK, as viewers join the presenter and prospective buyers to gain a view at some of the UK's most charming country homes, as they look to leave the hustle and bustle of city living and escape to the country.

Richie is a well-loved, familiar face, presenting his own show on Radio 2. Richie is also a regular on The One Show and has been part of the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage for the fourth consecutive year. In Richie’s first episode of Escape to the Country, he will be seen helping a couple of born and bred Brummies, to find the perfect character property on his home turf of the rural Midlands.

Commenting on the announcement, Richie said: “It’s a real honour to be joining such an iconic TV programme and a brilliant family of presenters. Escape to the Country is one of the reasons I moved out of London for a quieter more rural way of life...

"I’m excited to pass on my love of the countryside to our house hunters and it’s a privilege to share such a personal experience with them and help tell their story. My first episode is in my stomping ground in The Midlands, an area that is often overlooked when it comes to country life so I can’t wait to show you some hidden gems.”

John Comerford, Head of Naked West (a Fremantle label) said: “For over two decades, Escape to the Country has brought heart and heritage to viewers. It celebrates the character of the British countryside and the nation’s superb historic rural housing stock. The series also helps real people take a leap into a whole new life. We’re excited to welcome Richie to the Escape family of fantastic presenters.”

Richie joins regular Escape to the Country presenters Alistair Appleton, Briony May Williams, Denise Nurse, Ginny Buckley, Jules Hudson, Nicki Chapman, Sonali Shah and Steve Brown who will all feature across the new series.

Escape to the Country will return with its 26th series to BBC One and iPlayer later this month.