Challenge!
By Anneka Rice
National treasure and television pioneer Anneka Rice has had an action-packed career jumping out of helicopters, racing against the clock on Challenge Anneka and inspiring millions with her boundless energy and much-loved jumpsuits. But the daring spirit on screen was forged in a very different kind of challenge.
In this candid memoir, Anneka opens up for the first time about her unusual childhood, revealing how the crippling loneliness she felt as a child and the teenage years she spent running her household sparked the fierce resilience that would later define her.
With her trademark warmth and wit, she shares the vibrant, transformative possibilities that emerged from her arrival, aged twenty, in Hong Kong on a one-way ticket, knowing no one, and describes the epiphanic moment that made her realise she was part of something much bigger than herself – and that being useful was the key to her wellbeing.
Full of heart, humour and hard-won wisdom, this is an astonishing story of adventure and survival, of personal battles and public triumphs. It’s a manual on how to reinvent yourself, throw caution to the wind and take the path full of jeopardy. It’s mad, bad and dangerous and should come with a warning: don’t try this at home.
Anneka Rice is donating all her author royalties to Alzheimer’s Research UK
Reviews
“Queen of the community, feminist crusader, leaper from helicopters, trailblazer, artist, writer, stand-up comic, raconteur… if only Anneka Rice wasn’t such an underachiever! In this hilarious but heartfelt self-deprecating memoir, Anneka shares her life with us beyond the jumpsuits and dazzling prime-time success. Surmounting each personal challenge with pluck and aplomb, Anneka’s life story is as instructive and inspirational as it is entertaining. Take a leap into this icon’s astounding world and enjoy the most warm and witty company.”
Kathy Lette
“Heart, humour and heroism – what a story! A joy from start to finish. Anneka has risen to the challenge again.”
Gyles Brandreth
“Anneka chose to be guided by her values, rather than ruled by her anxiety. A lesson for all of us. What a ride! Strap yourself in and enjoy Anneka’s amazing journey.”
Philippa Perry
“A riotous romp through a life that swings at pace from one improbable adventure to another. Funny, extraordinary and infused with the warmth of a generous heart.”
Clare Balding
“There is something so very Anneka about this book: it percolates with energy and deep-felt emotion. Anneka is a national treasure and the story behind her success is fascinating and revealing. Not only does she have the best legs in showbiz, but she is also plucky, resourceful and a damned good writer, with an uncanny knack of recalling every period of her life in vivid, glorious detail.”
Jenny Eclair
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- Hardback, 336 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360499
-
8 October 2026
Available to pre-order - £22.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360673
-
8 October 2026
Available to pre-order - £16.99