Anneka Rice, 60, was recently announced as one of the 15 contestants to be taking part in the BBC series of Strictly Come Dancing, which hits viewers screens next month. Before her stint on the show, the TV star took to the micro-blogging site yesterday and shared a throwback snap taken on Bondi Beach in Australia. In view of her 23,600 followers, the presenter uploaded the snap where she sported a striped bikini amongst her work colleagues. Surrounded by a camera crew, the BBC Radio host smiled at the camera as she showed off her toned physique.
She captioned the photo: “Someone just sent me this. Bondi Beach circa 1986. Just about to dive in. I love the way none of the crew are remotely interested in the fact that I seem to have taken all my clothes off. #ThrowbackThursday #strictlybold.”
Fans rushed to comment on the post, with many gushing over the TV star’s youthful appearance.
One person quipped: “They’ll be wearing less than that in Strictly!”
To which Anneka replied: “Not in my case I can assure you!”
Another person commented: “You look amazing, proper beach babe.”
A third person said: “Beautiful then and even more beautiful now,” while another person added: “The new Bond girl!”
The throwback photo was taken from Anneka’s time working on the ITV show of Wish You Were Here.
Anneka presented the British primetime show in 1986 which was about travel and holidays overseas.
Meanwhile, she has since been announced to join the new Strictly line up alongside celebrity contestants, including footballer David James, EastEnders actress Emma Barton and reality star Jamie Laing.
Following the big reveal, Anneka took to the social media site to thank her fans for the congratulatory messages.
She wrote: “Thank you so much for all your lovely messages. I’m really touched. I can only apologise in advance if you think I can dance as efficiently as I can build a community centre.”
The TV and radio personality made a name for herself during the 80s as a presenter with her programme Challenge Anneka.
At the height of her fame, the mother-of-three took time away from the spotlight in order to raise her children – Thomas Allott, 30, Josh Allott, 29, and Sam Gutteridge, 19, – but has since made a return to the industry.
Anneka currently works as a radio presenter for Radio 2 having joined the station in 2012 to present an early morning weekend show.
She now hosts ‘The Pick of Radio 2 with Anneka Rice’ – a two hour Saturday slot that runs from midnight to 2am.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One next month.