Who is Anneka Rice? Strictly star’s age, husband, sons and career facts revealed

20 September 2019, 17:01 | Updated: 20 September 2019, 17:16

Anneka Rice
Anneka Rice. Picture: PA

By Zoe Adams

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 has welcomed Anneka Rice but what do we know about her? And what’s her real name?

Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Meet all the celebs taking part

Anneka Rice has finally joined the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 line up after previously turning it down due to her family commitments.

But who is Anneka? And how old is she? As she takes on her biggest challenge this year, the presenter has admitted she’s ready to try something new.

Here’s everything you need to know including her sons, real name and husband:

  1. Who is Anneka Rice? And what’s her real name?

    Anneka Rice - Challenge Anneka - Anneka corpsing in church

    A household name for decades, Anneka - real name Anne Lucina Hartley Rice – is a Welsh television and radio presenter.

    Most famous for her role on Treasure Hunt, where she made the boiler suit a statement piece, Anneka was the face of one of Channel 4’s most famous shows.

    Following on from this success, she hosted a similar show, Challenge Anneka, which ran for nine years. She’s also appeared on Celebrity Mastermind, Hell’s Kitchen and Come Dine With Me.

  2. How old is Anneka Rice?

    Born October 4, 1958, Anneka celebrated her 60th birthday in 2018.

  3. Who are Anneka Rice’s husband and sons?

    Anneka is currently in a relationship with Simon Bell, a writer, who she has been with since 2005.

    She was previously married to theatre boss Nick Allott, with whom she had sons Thomas and Joshua.

    Anneka also has a third son from another relationship.

  4. How tall is Anneka Rice?

    Anneka stands at 5ft 8in (172.7 cm) tall.