Channel 5 ‘delay’ Challenge Anneka
The show will return in May, after disastrous ratings for its second episode
The four-part series was dropped from the schedules on Channel 5 after only two episodes had aired. The broadcaster had revived the series which originally aired on BBC One with a pilot in 1987 and regular series from 1989 to 1995. In 2006 and 2007 ITV aired a couple of ‘specials’ but pulled the plug on a series as ratings dipped.
Despite the failure on ITV, Channel 5 decided earlier this year to bring the format back no doubt following the success of similar shows such as DIY S.O.S. The return of the show with its catchy theme tune and a hilariously cheap remake of the original cartoon opening titles pulled in over a million viewers on its first airing, however, the second episode managed just half a million, which for a Saturday night on Channel 5 was deemed unacceptable and the series was pulled from the schedules. A repeat of a documentary in the slot, Paul O’Grady: 40 Years of Laughter, pulled in 1.5m.
Anneka Rice had posted on Twitter the show might need to look for a ‘new home’ following its sudden removal from the schedules, but viewers were quick to blame Channel 5’s scheduling rather than the programme being at fault, many noting a weeknight slot would likely be more of a rating winner for the show.
Now Channel 5 has elaborated on why it temporarily pulled Anneka Rice series from schedules note The Independent newspaper.
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