THERE really is no Challenge too big for Anneka Rice as after an outpouring of support for the veteran broadcaster and the reboot of her legendary makeover show, Channel 5 has confirmed the series will be back on air in May.
Challenge Anneka was dropped from the schedules last month after it struggled against tough competition in a primetime slot against the likes of Saturday Night Takeaway and Starstuck.
But now after a frenzy from fans, The Sun has learnt the next instalment has been slated for the week of May 15 - Dementia Awareness Week - and will see Anneka and the team create a giant ‘memory village’ at Age UK’s HQ in the Wirral.
The final episode of the four-part series will follow.
A Channel 5 source said: “Fans have been asking us when it will be back and so we can announce that the next episode will be shown during Dementia Awareness Week (from May 15 to 21), and will confirm the specific day and time in the coming weeks.
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“The last episode will also be scheduled very soon.
“We want to preserve the series to ensure that each episode gets the best audience possible, and we hope viewers will tune in in May and enjoy watching Anneka and the amazing army of volunteers she gets to join her, in this important – and at times, very emotional - project.
“The special episode of Challenge Anneka sees Anneka tackling the monumental challenge of turning a huge barren plot at Age UK’s HQ in the Wirral into an amazing giant ‘memory village’ for people suffering with dementia.”
Veteran broadcaster Anneka was quick to react to the news last month that Channel 5 had shelved the series.
While episode one drew in 1.25million viewers, it slipped below half a million for the second instalment.
Anneka quipped online with a snap of her famous sound technician: "Hey Dave, we've got 24 hours to find a new home."
She later added: "We always knew we were on a 'floating schedule' so might be bumped off at any moment.
"We'll keep you posted. The projects are all up and running and I love and salute our army of volunteers who made this possible."
Challenge Anneka originally aired on the BBC 30 years ago.
Last month after the schedule shake-up, a spokesman for Channel 5 said: "The first episode of Challenge Anneka was enjoyed by 1.25 million but Saturday evenings are always highly competitive, especially at this time of year.
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"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."
