Re-Challenge Anneka

Fomer Challenge Anneka host Anneka Rice is returning to BBC One in a brand new series which like her former programme aims to help communities improve their surroundings.

Rice’s new show aims to transform neglected outdoor plots of land into life changing spaces for a variety of communities across Britain.

Anneka, who shot to fame on Channel 4’s game show Treasure Hunt, says: “We couldn’t hope to transform these spaces without the help and support of the local community – allotment growers, kids and teachers have all been mucking in and they have been amazing.”

Anneka is joined by Phil Tufnell and Joe Swift to make up The Flower Pot Gang. The gang’s challenges include developing a joint inspirational space for two specialist schools in Bristol, a care home in Sheffield and a carers’ centre in Sunderland.

Joe says: “It’s great to be using all my skills I’ve developed over the years designing residential gardens to create these very special community spaces. I’m loving the challenge of making outdoor areas that really matter and make such a difference.”

Each of the gang has a special role to play. Anneka is the experienced galvaniser, rallying the local community to come and help clear, dig and plant at the site. Joe, known by millions for his work on Gardeners’ World, offers up his horticultural expertise by designing these new spaces, and former England cricket star Phil gets stuck into working the land whilst getting to know the stories of the people for whom the space is being created.

Phil says: “I do feel a bit of a novice compared to Joe, I’m definitely something of a budding gardener… but seeing what a difference these spaces make is really worth the effort – even when you’re getting drenched and covered in mud. And the stories that I’ve encounter have really moved me.”

A vital element of all the projects is the involvement of local communities. As well as working alongside Anneka, Phil and Joe to create the life changing space, it will be up to local people to keep it going in the future – a living legacy. Without the help of people within the communities none of the projects could get off the ground.

Challenge Anneka ran on BBC One from 1989 until 1995. It was revived briefly by ITV in the 2000s with episodes airing in 2006 and 2007.

[Written by Don Westbury]