Anneka Rice responds to Channel 5 dropping Challenge Anneka in the schedule

Stephanie Chase
·2 min read
challenge anneka
Challenge Anneka star responds to C5 dropping showChannel 5

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Anneka Rice has responded after it was confirmed that the reboot of Challenge Anneka is being temporarily dropped from Channel 5's schedule.

Channel 5 has pulled the show from its schedules after just two episodes, following disappointing ratings in its Saturday night timeslot.

In a statement to MailOnline, Channel 5 confirmed the show will not continue to air on Saturday nights.

"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," a Channel 5 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."

The show was airing in the 8.30pm timeslot, beginning on Saturday, March 18 and faced stiff competition from shows like ITV 1's Starstruck.

challenge anneka
Channel 5

Related: Strictly Come Dancing's Anneka Rice leaves This Morning in hysterics after awkward NSFW blunder

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Rice told fans: "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."

Rice then posted a photo alongside her soundman Dave Chapman, captioning the photo: "Hey Dave. We’ve got 24 hours to find a new home."

Challenge Anneka sees Rice being given a task to complete within a short window of time, which is usually two or three days. The task would usually benefit a charitable cause and Rice would have to persuade companies and organisations to help out for free.

The show, which first aired from 1989 to 1995, was also famous for Rice's colourful jumpsuits (which are also seen in the reboot).

In more recent years, Rice competed in the BBC ballroom on Strictly Come Dancing, but has spoken candidly about the after-effects of the rigorous show.

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