Channel 5 axes beloved eighties reboot before series has even finished after ratings flop
THE Channel 5 reboot of the hit series Challenge Anneka has been pulled off air after just three episodes after ratings flop.
The broadcaster has kept the final episode on the shelf for more than a year due to the timeslot being "highly competitive."
A Channel 5 spokesman said: “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, 64, replied to concerned viewers on social media about the production on the show and the challenging deadlines.
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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.
Channel 5 have provided no update on then the final episode will air.
Challenge Anneka is available on My5.
