Richie Anderson is the third celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2022
(Picture: BBC/PA)Richie Anderson has confirmed he’s set to take to the ballroom this Autumn on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ announced the news during Zoe Ball’s radio show on Friday and revealed that he will be part of an all-male partnership.
The former Sunday League footballer said it’s a “massive honour” to be part of the show’s all-male partnership and branded the opportunity “a dream come true”.
He said in a release: “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.”
The 34-year-old, who went viral in 2018 when he came out as gay to his Coombs Wood FC teammates in an emotional documentary, will now follow in GBBO star John Waite’s footsteps in an all-male partnership.
Waite made show history with his partnership with pro Johannes Radebe, narrowly missing out on the Glitterball trophy to Rose Ayling and Giovanni Pernice.
In 2020, boxer Nicola Adam and Katya Jone became the show’s first ever same-sex pairing - however the duo had to withdraw from the competition in week three after Katya caught Covid.
Anderson joins Coronation Street stars Will Mellor and Kym Marsh in the current line-up.
Mellor was the first celebrity to be announced as one of this year’s contestants on Thursday (4 August) saying “bring it on” in his excitement to be in the dancing show.
The 46-year-old actor is best known for appearing in Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Casualty, and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
“I’m honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!” Mellor said. “Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that’s what life is all about.”
The next contestant announced was actress and TV presenter Kym Marsh, who currently hosts BBC One’s Morning Live and has appeared in Coronation Street and The Syndicate.
“I’m nervous but I’m really looking forward to it,” Marsh told BBC Breakfast today.
