Anita Rani joins Northern Ballet's board of directors

The Bradford-born presenter joined the Leeds-based company which is preparing for an unprecedented three world premiers of new full-length ballets this year.

Dancers are set to take centre stage with the company’s adaptations of Casanova, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Little Mermaid.

Anita said: ‘I am thrilled. It’s an honour to be asked to support this amazing arts organisation, especially as a Yorkshire lass. I’ve always loved dance from afar and after Strictly, dance has become a passion I want to have in my life forever.”