CHANNEL 5 has confirmed that Challenge Anneka is officially axed – a year after it was pulled off-air.
The TV channel tried to revive the iconic 80s series, starring Anneka Rice, in 2024, but after just three episodes it was pulled from schedules due to poor ratings.
Challenge Anneka has officially been cancelled by Channel 5[/caption]
The series was hosted by Anneka Rice[/caption]
The series was huge in the 80s but failed to make an impact on a modern audience[/caption]
Speaking today, the team confirmed the series will not be recommissioned, but didn’t comment if the final episode is yet to air.
Channel 5’s Ben Frow said: “We realised two weeks before we put it out, it’s a make up show, and they did home renovation shows since then.
“The world changed so much, what Annika was doing – which was innovative 30 years ago – was [different to] now, and we won’t go there again.”
On Challenge Anneka, Rice was given a two-to-three day deadline for a massive task to help a local community.
The host then had to use her charm to get free labour and donations to complete her mission.
Channel 5 picked up the series for a four-episode reboot and placed on primetime Saturday night in their scheduling.
Initially, it seemed like it could be a success, with 1.25million viewers tuning in to see Anneka back in action.
However, after battling against juggernaut Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and BBC’s Starstruck, the show saw a dramatic ratings clump, and just two episodes later it was canned.
At the time, a spokesperson said: “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.
“We want to preserve the series to ensure that each episode gets the best audience possible.”
The first episode saw Anneka help a struggling dog rescue project at Foal Farm to build new facilities, while episode two focused on the growth of a food hub charity.
Episode three was declared a “Dementia Special” in partnership with Age UK, with the team building a “memory village” for those with the syndrome, which sees brain function – particularly memory – decline.
However, the final episode – which is meant to show Anneka and her team helping out Luton Sea and Royal Marine Cadets – is yet to ever make it to screen.
In the challenge, the team have to design a medal for outstanding achievement, as well as refurbishing their cadets’ training facilities, giving their overnight accommodation, training boats and equipment an overhaul.
There’s still one episode that has never been aired from the series[/caption]
The TV presenter continues to make public appearances[/caption]
Anneka has yet to officially comment on the show’s cancellation[/caption]