The Stage

Challenge Anneka returns after 12-year break

Published Monday 6 November 2006 at 12:10 by Liz Thomas

Challenge Anneka is to return to screens after more than a decade, with a special task to rebuild a Sri Lankan village that was devastated by 2004’s Boxing Day tsunami.

Anneka Rice and her team will have to secure donations for everything they need - from beds and medical drugs to footballs and colouring books - before transporting it to the troubled South Asian country.

Rice said: “I was stunned when I heard ITV wanted to bring back Challenge Anneka. Having dragged myself out of retirement, I am now really excited about it. It will be an amazing opportunity to make a difference to thousands of lives.”

They have just five days to transform the village and complete the challenge, which was set by leading charity World Vision in conjunction with ITV.

Alison Sharman, ITV’s director of factual and daytime, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Anneka back to our screens after 12 years. She is a fantastic presenter who throws herself whole-heartedly into everything she does. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to help her with this incredible challenge.”

For more details of what’s needed for this challenge or if you would like to set Anneka a new challenge visit www.itv.com/challengeanneka.