She’s wanted a comeback for years, now Anneka Rice is finally getting to reboot Challenge Anneka three decades after the 90s original ended.
And, just like before, she’ll be flanked by her loyal TV companion Dave “The Soundman” Chapman.
In a video to fans today the 63-year-old presenter urged them to dig out their old lycra as she donned a trademark brightly-coloured jumpsuit.
Sprightly Anneka has lost none of her zest for tackling big projects within a tight time-frame of a few days. Helped by a team of volunteers, she intends to take on some “epic” new challenges in four hour-long episodes for Channel 5.
She said: “I can’t believe this is actually happening. The last few years have shown us all the power of community and how it’s good to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Dave the Soundman and I may have 130 years between us but the whole team is as motivated as ever to make a difference and shine a spotlight on people and organisations who need help.
She added: “We may look a bit different - but our hearts and willingness to get stuck in are the same.”
Giving fans a challenge in her announcement video, she told them to take a long, deep dive into the bottom of their wardrobes to find some 1990s lycra. “If you weren’t born, don’t worry, think clubbing gear,” she added helpfully.
Revealing she was already wearing hers under the bedclothes, she then asked Dave if he was ready and revealed the sound man was lying next to her. “I’m ready Annie!” he insisted.
She declared that more instructions would follow, saying viewers needed to get ready too “even if your get up and go has got up and gone”.
This time around the series won’t feature a helicopter but Anneka will have the beach buggy and lorry at her disposal.
Channel 5 non-scripted boss Guy Davies said: “There’s never been a better time to bring back such a loved series to our screens. The challenges promise to be timely, relevant and packed full of passionate and heart-warming people.”
Challenge Anneka ran from 1989 to 1995 on BBC1, and saw the host having to persuade big firms and brands to help her out for free.
An attempted comeback on ITV, in 2006, failed to fly and ran for just one special. Speaking about the show a few years ago, she laughed: “It’s been my life’s work really. I’d love to see it back - but they’d better not tweak the theme tune.”
