Challenge Anneka
| Challenge Anneka | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality game show |
| Created by |
Anneka Rice Malcolm Heyworth |
| Presented by | Anneka Rice |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 7 |
| No. of episodes | 61 (inc. 5 specials) (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Running time | 40–60 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
Chatsworth Television (1987) Mentorn (1989–95) ITV Productions (2006–7) |
| Distributor | Tinopolis |
| Release | |
| Original network |
BBC1 (1987, 1989–95) ITV (2006–7) |
| Picture format |
4:3 (1987, 1989–95) 16:9 (2006–7) |
| First shown in | 27 November 1987 (pilot) |
| Original release | 8 September 1989 – 15 October 1995 (series) – 26 December 2006 – 6 June 2007 (specials) |
Challenge Anneka is a British reality game show that aired on BBC1 from 8 September 1989 to 15 October 1995 and is hosted by Anneka Rice.
It was announced in 2006 that the series was returning, but this time on ITV. The first of the two specials was shown on Boxing Day 2006. The second transmitted in June 2007.
The series was devised as a vehicle for Anneka Rice, who had already proven herself capable of racing around the country up against the clock in Treasure Hunt, one of the first big hits for Channel 4. It was produced by Tom Gutteridge of Mentorn, who also produced the US version with Erin Brockovich.
The format of Challenge Anneka involved Rice being given a task to accomplish within a certain period of time, usually two or three days. She was supposed to have no knowledge of what the task of each particular episode would be before it began, and would have to organise its accomplishment by persuading companies and people to contribute their time and resources for free. The task would usually be in aid of a charitable cause, for example building a play area for children within the local community, or something similar.
The format was tested in 1987's Children in Need.
Rice would be based during the 'challenges' in a large blue truck, and for her frequent trips to persuade companies and people to take part she initially employed the use of a Volkswagen based beach buggy, and then went on to use a kit built Dakar 4x4 vehicle in the 1990s. For series 6 and 7, she had a dog called Pedro. She was also distinguished by her frequent use of her mobile phone to organise the projects, years before they became common everyday objects for people in Britain.
Another trademark aspect of the series would be the frequent on-screen presence of Rice's soundman, Dave Chapman, part of the camera team who followed her around as she attempted to accomplish the challenges and who often found himself having to lend a helping hand.
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