Anneka Rice confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line up

Anneka Rice has been revealed as the fifteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2019

TV legend Anneka Rice is understood to be the final name on this year’s line up.

Anneka is an award-winning broadcaster, who shot to fame in this country as the Sky-Runner in Channel 4’s “Treasure Hunt”.

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”.

Anneka’s other TV work includes 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 fronted 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.

The news was revealed this afternoon (7th August) on BBC Radio 2, where Anneka used to host the Saturday Breakfast show.

Anneka is the second celeb to be confirmed today after double Olympic Gold Medallist rower, James Cracknell.

He said this morning: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year.

“Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill. I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.”

Yesterday saw Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin and sports pundit, presenter and former professional footballer Alex Scott MBC announced for the show.

They joined the confirmed line up of include Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, World Table Tennis Paralympic champion Will Bayley MBE and American singer, television host, radio DJ, and Drag Race star Michelle Visage.

Also on the cast are Viscountess Emma Weymouth, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroua, BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell, soap star Catherine Tyldesley and YouTube vlogger Saffron Barker.

Completing this year’s contestants are England international goalkeeper David James, comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders actress Emma Barton.

Strictly Come Dancing will start on TV on BBC One in September.