Challenge Anneka ‘returning to Channel 5’ after 15 years off-screen

Challenge Anneka could soon be making a comeback (Picture: Rex/ITV)

Anneka Rice is said to be in talks with Channel 5 to reboot Challenge Anneka.

The hit series, which saw the presenter given a task to accomplish within a certain period, was initially launched on BBC One in 1989 and ran for six years until it was cancelled in 1995.

A one-off special later aired in 2006 on ITV and saw the team helping to rebuild a maternity clinic, a cricket pavilion, and a children’s play centre in Sri Lanka after the 2004 Tsunami.

‘There’s a real taste for bringing back classic shows right now, given viewers’ thirst for nostalgia,’ an insider added.

‘Anneka is hopeful a deal can be struck as she believes there is still plenty of life in the format and that she can also attract a new, younger audience.’

The TV source added to The Sun: ‘It was a much-loved show with good intentions, so there’s no reason why it can’t continue where it left off.’

Challenge Anneka first aired in 1989 (Picture: Rex)

Anneka Rice previously said the show was her ‘life’s work’ (Picture: Getty)

Challenge Anneka last aired in 2007, when Anneka walked on stage during a McFly concert in Cambridge and asked the band if they would record a single for charity.

At the time, it had been reported that a third special was never completed after ITV dropped its plans to revive the series in a frequent format.

Following its demise, Rice approached the BBC about a proposed revival as part of Children In Need, but the corporation decided not proceed with the proposal, citing the series was no longer in the public consciousness.

More: Anneka Rice

Reflecting on Challenge Anneka on its 30th anniversary in 2019, Anneka, enthused: ‘The affection for it is epic. It is overwhelming on a daily basis.

‘So many people were touched by the series. People’s lives were literally changed.

‘It’s been my life’s work, really. I’ve never left it as I am still very involved with so many projects.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Channel 5 for comment.

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