Biteback Publishing is to publish Challenge!, the autobiography of television presenter Anneka Rice, marking 50 years since she joined the BBC.
Editorial and production manager Catriona Allon acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Caroline Michel at PFD. The memoir will be published in October 2026, supported by a major marketing and publicity campaign.
Best known for fronting Challenge Anneka, Rice reflects on the career that made her one of British television’s most recognisable presenters while revealing, for the first time, the childhood experiences that shaped her resilience.
The memoir explores her upbringing, the responsibility of caring for her younger sister as a teenager, and the journey that took her to Hong Kong at 19, where time spent volunteering in a refugee camp transformed her outlook on life.
Rice said: “As I celebrate 50 years since I joined the BBC as a young trainee, it is timely to work out how on earth I’ve survived this long without falling out of a helicopter. My childhood was definitely before health and safety was invented, as was most of my career, so it’s a miracle I’m still in one piece – ish. I look forward to sharing my life with you. Wear a seat belt and don’t try any of it at home unless you have reinforcements.”
Allon said: “Anneka is nothing short of a TV legend, and what better time to look back on her incredible life and career than this exciting milestone? Filled with warmth, wit and a touch of wackiness, this wonderful memoir is trademark Anneka and her compelling and authentic voice shines through on every page. We’re so excited to get it into readers’ hands – we know everyone will love it just as much as we do.”