Richie Anderson, a presenter on BBC's Escape to the Country, has shared a series of behind-the-scenes secrets about what it is really like to film the popular property programme. Anderson joined the show last year and described the experience as "rewarding."
Richie Anderson's Top 10 Insights
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who now presents alongside Sonali Shah, Briony May Williams, and Alistair Appleton, took to social media to list ten things he has learned since becoming a presenter on the BBC One show.
Anderson began by highlighting that filming takes place in "the most jaw dropping locations," with the countryside ensuring "your outfits pop" thanks to the picturesque rural settings that "are like a cheat filter."
He added: "They say never work with animals... However, we do.. Quite regularly and actually they're very well behaved. I now keep wellies and walking boots in the back of my car just in case."
Praise for the Production Team
Commending the Escape to the Country production crew, Anderson said: "The houses we film in are beautiful and the team work so hard to find them. The house hunters are always so lovely and it's a privilege to share their stories."
Sharing an image of himself playing badminton during a break in filming, he noted: "It's fun finding ways to keep fit whilst away on location."
Team Spirit and Seaside Delights
Anderson continued: "The team that work on this show are out of this world and I learn so much from them on every shoot." He also shared his love for the British seaside, stating: "On a good day, the British seaside is unrivalled don't @ me."
He added: "I've ticked lots off the bucket list, steering a barge down the canal anyone? My fellow presenters are so talented and kind. Annoyingly, I don't have a picture of us all together."
Anderson concluded: "Basically I'm having a ball and I reckon you should go and watch current series on BBC iPlayer."
Fan Reactions
Anderson's post was met with an outpouring of support from followers. One wrote: "Loving the series... also love the countryside... and the UK seaside is the best! basically 10/10 agree! Have a great weekend." Another said: "You've been a lovely addition to the team, I have enjoyed watching you."
A third commented: "You bring a real joy to the programme and are so lovely with the couples, you've been a great addition to the show." A fourth added: "You are such a joy to watch Richie."
Previous Praise for the Show
Anderson previously praised the Escape to the Country team as "absolutely amazing." He told BBC Radio WM last year: "There's so much that goes into it and it's so rewarding when you show people around these houses. You can see the cogs turning and them thinking 'oh my goodness me, this could really work for us'."
He described the guests' journey to find their dream home as "such a personal journey," adding: "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."
Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
