Escape to the Country newcomer Richie Anderson: “I’m not just there to be the brown guy with an accent”

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You can probably hear it in my voice, but I’m from the Black Country – definitely not the rural countryside. I was raised on a council estate in Smethwick, which people jokingly called the Concrete Jungle.

I’m proud of my roots, but growing up, I didn’t spend much time around nature. My only glimpses of the countryside came from train journeys to West Bromwich Albion away games and our annual family vacation to Devon.

I went on to study journalism in Leeds after leaving Smethwick. Then, landing a job on Zoe Ball’s breakfast show at Radio 2 brought me to London. It was about as city-centric a beginning to adulthood as you could imagine.

Dean and I now wake up to the sound of cows each morning. When we open the curtains, we see lovely green fields and trees, and we can even smell the farm work happening outside. It’s quite a change! It all started with a television show, really – it completely transformed my life.

I was thrilled when I initially relocated to London for a fantastic job. I imagined the city would be full of opportunities, but the reality was much harder. Being away from my partner and living alone made me realize how lonely a big city can be. Plus, the fast-paced nature of the TV and radio industry meant I couldn’t relax, and ultimately, life in London was making me miserable.

There was one thing that always cheered me up. Coming home, I’d often take an afternoon nap and wake up just in time to watch Escape to the Country on BBC One. I found myself really looking forward to it – the show offered a peek at a more peaceful life outside of the city. It made me realize I needed that kind of escape for myself.

A specific episode of the show really made up my mind. It featured a location in Northamptonshire, described as similar to the Cotswolds but with fewer tourists. Plus, it was conveniently located between the Midlands and London. I immediately called Dean and said, “Let’s go for it!”

I was concerned about the move. Having grown up in very diverse communities – I’d gone to school and lived in three different places with people from all backgrounds – I worried about becoming an outsider. Would I be the only person of color in the village? Would my partner and I be the only gay couple? Would we stand out as the only young people around?

I quickly realized my ideas about living in the countryside were old-fashioned. We felt instantly welcome when we moved in. TV often portrays rural Britain as being full of older, wealthier people, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I’ve found the countryside is becoming more diverse and attracting people of all ages. In fact, my neighbors are from a variety of backgrounds – one family is Polish, and the other is mixed heritage, just like me.

Now that I’m part of the Escape to the Country team, I’m helping to create a show that reflects the diversity of rural life. We’re committed to showing a realistic and modern countryside, and I’m proud to be part of that – I’m there as a person, not just to fulfill a stereotype.

Being on Escape to the Country was a turning point for me. I’m hoping to inspire others, no matter where they come from, to see how the countryside can enrich their lives – whether it’s for a quick visit or a permanent move. It’s a place everyone can enjoy.

Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC One.

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2025-12-03 20:38