80s TV star returns to the airwaves with new show after reboot of classic BBC series was axed mid-series
EIGHTIES TV favourite Anneka Rice has returned to the airwaves with a brand new Christmas Day show.
The popular broadcaster, 66, revealed that she would be presenting a special show on Radio 2.
Earlier this year, Anneka returned for the reboot of Challenge Anneka, but it was pulled off air after just three episodes after ratings flop.
On Tuesday, the TV presenter posted a photo of her wearing a green dress with tinsel around her neck.
She wrote: “Team! If you’re feeling a bit s*** because everyone seems a bit too shiny and happy & are just too ‘blessed’ (I would ban that word), join me Xmas morning live BBC Radio 2 from 10am.
“We will unpack Captain Beaky, Nellie & Puff and generally snuggle in with all our complications.”
Many fans raced to the comment section to say they’d be tuning in.
One wrote: “my Christmas tradition to listen while i get ready for the day!!! not looking forward to Christmas much this year but i will always always look forward to this.”
A second posted: “I’ve got the tissues at the ready!”
A third said: “You beautiful lady. You never ever age. Still as gorgeous now as you were when you were running around in a gorgeous jumpsuit. A very Happy Christmas.”
Anneka was last seen on TV back in March when she appeared in the rebooted series of Challenge Anneka on Channel 5.
A Channel 5 spokesman said at the time: “The first episode of ‘Challenge Anneka’ was enjoyed by 1.25 million viewers, but Saturday evenings are always highly competitive, especially at this time of year.
“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.”
Anneka replied to concerned viewers on social media about the production on the show and the challenging deadlines.
The TV presenter wrote on X: “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 [and] salute our army of volunteers who made this possible. Thank you.”
She added it was time to find a new home for the show writing: “24 hours to find a new home”.
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant also revealed how proud she is of the way her series featured many women behind the camera.
She penned: “It was mostly women. It was ground breaking stuff. Many of them have gone on to practically run television.”
The third episode of the series was branded as a ‘Dementia Special’.
It saw Anneka challenged by Age UK Wirral to create a giant memory village for people suffering with dementia, building shops, a cafe and a village green, and throwing an opening party.
In the episode yet to air, Anneka and the Challenge team come to the aid of Luton Sea and Royal Marine Cadets to design a medal for outstanding achievement and refurbish their training facilities.