Anneka Rice completes our line-up for 2019!

Anneka Rice, an award-winning broadcaster, shot to fame in this country as the Sky-Runner in Channel 4’s Treasure Hunt, still Channel 4's highest rated programme ever. 

Anneka said, “I haven’t danced since I was 7 and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated. My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner. In fact I’ve asked for two, one on each side. I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either. But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country”.

She also presented Sporting Chance, TVAM, Driving Force, Wish You Were Here, Capital Woman, Combat, Holiday, Hell’s Kitchen, The Royal Variety Performance and numerous other shows. She went on to devise the award-winning Challenge Anneka for BBC One, shining a spotlight on issues like disability, homelessness and animal welfare, and has raised millions of pounds worth of supplies and services for charities and communities.

Her radio work includes the Radio 2 Saturday Breakfast Show, which she presented for six years, Pick of the Week, Friday Night is Music Night, The Arts Show, Sunday Love Songs, Loose Ends, and the award-winning podcast Fortunately. She is a Patron of Operation Encompass, Help for Heroes and Horatio’s Garden.

Anneka joins footballer David James, comedian Chris Ramsey, EastEnders star Emma Barton, social media star Saffron Barker, actress Catherine Tyldesley, BBC Breakfast's Mike Bushell, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual, Viscountess Emma Weymouth, RuPaul Drag Race's Michelle Visage, Paralympic champion Will Bayley, Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, footballer and presenter Alex Scott, DJ Dev Griffin and Olympian James Cracknell in our line-up this year.