Legendary TV show Challenge Anneka’s return date finally confirmed after 30 years off screen

LEGENDARY TV show Challenge Anneka’s return date has finally been confirmed after 30 years off screen.

The programme originally aired from 1989 until 1995 on BBC One and was fronted by Anneka Rice.

The Celeb Report exclusively revealed back in March 2022 that Challenge Anneka was returning – but on a different channel.

Now, the show will air on Channel 5 and viewers don’t have long to wait for the first new episode.

Challenge Anneka will start on Saturday March 18 and Anneka, 64, is once again 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 promises 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.

Other Challenges include constructing an entire ‘memory village’ for dementia sufferers in the Wirral and building a giant food hub, kitchen and café for a whole community in Stockton.

The team have just three days to complete each project.

With sidekick Dave the soundman in tow, Anneka and her army must hit the ground running, grasp the big challenge and harness the power of hundreds of helpers, trades, experts and the local community to help her make people’s dreams come true.

When The Celeb Report first revealed the show was returning, a TV insider said: “There’s a real taste for bringing back classic shows right now, given viewers’ thirst for nostalgia.

“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.

“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 begins on Saturday March 18 at 8.50pm on Channel 5.