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Anneka Rice breaks silence as her rebooted Challenge Anneka show is pulled

Daily News Era March 28, 2023

2 minutes read

ANNEKA Rice has broken her silence after her rebooted Challenge Anneka series was pulled from Channel 5.

The broadcaster brought the much-loved programme back nearly 30 years after its first instalment ended.

Challenge Anneka has been pulled by Channel 5 midway through its new seriesCredit: Channel 5

Anneka shared an image with her unofficial co-host and sound man Dave and said: "Hey Dave. We’ve got 24 hours to find a new home" — Anneka shared an image with her unofficial co-host and sound man Dave and said: “Hey Dave. We’ve got 24 hours to find a new home”Credit: Channel 5

In a statement released to The Sun, the broadcaster said it would "preserve the remaining two shows and reschedule them soon" — In a statement released to The Sun, the broadcaster said it would “preserve the remaining two shows and reschedule them soon”Credit: Channel 5

It sees Anneka, 64, packing up the big blue truck, jumping into her famous buggy and calling on the selflessness, goodwill and big hearts of the nation.

The new series promised challenges that are bigger than ever before, from building a new home for dozens of abandoned dogs in Kent, to creating a new outdoor centre for vulnerable teens.

However, midway through the rebooted series Channel 5 announced they had pulled the remaining episodes from its schedule.

In a statement released to The Sun, the broadcaster said: “The first episode of Challenge Anneka was enjoyed by 1.25 million / 10% viewers, but Saturday evenings are always highly competitive, especially at this time of year.

Anneka Rice reunites with cast and crew of original Challenge Anneka

Everything you need to know about the TV show Challenge Anneka

“The public and critical reaction to Challenge Anneka’s return has been amazing and we have decided to preserve the remaining two shows and reschedule them soon.”

Following the news, former BBC Radio presenter Rice has broken her silence.

In a post to her fans, she said: “Thanks if you’ve watched so far! We always knew we were on a “floating schedule” so might be bumped off at any moment.

“We’ll keep you posted. The main thing for me is the projects are all up and running and I love & salute our army of volunteers who made this possible. Thank you.”

She then shared an image with her unofficial co-host and sound man Dave and said: “Hey Dave. We’ve got 24 hours to find a new home.”

Fans have been left devastated by the news and hit out at Channel 5 for pulling the show off air.

One said: “Crushed beyond words. Thrilled to have you back, LOVED the first episode – the execution right across the board was bang on. This is all about scheduling.”

A second commented: “Am absolutely gutted! Loved the reboot, so upbeat, positive and feel good and much needed at this time.”

“I have just started episode one of the new series and LOVED IT. I can’t believe it’s being pulled from channel five. Such a feel good program. We need more of this. Fingers crossed for a new home for you Anneka,” said a third.

While a fourth remarked: “Channel 5 don’t take #ChallengeAnneka off the air leave it alone and carry on showing it!”