TV presenter Anneka Rice will return to our screens tonight in a revival of popular show Challenge Anneka, filmed in Kent.

The show last aired in 2007 and will return on Channel 5 at 8.50pm with the first episode shining a light on Foal Farm, an animal rescue centre in Biggin Hill, Bromley.

In November, the Treasure Hunt star surprised kmfm breakfast presenters Garry Wilson and Chelsea Little at their studio in Medway to appeal for volunteers to help in her project at the rescue centre.

The programme, devised by host Anneka in the 1980s, sees her being given a task to accomplish within a period of two to three days, usually in aid of a charitable cause.

Rice, based in her famous blue buggy, would organise the project by appealing to companies and volunteers to contribute time and resources for free.

The first episode of the upcoming four-part series sees Anneka challenged to rebuild an entire set of kennels and create an outdoor animal play area in just two days at Foal Farm, with help from the local community.

The centre rescues many animals, including horses, goats, ducks, guinea pigs and chickens, but has a particularly big dog centre, which the show's team were tasked with completely refurbishing.

Foal Farm spans 26 acres, and is a permanent sanctuary to more than 100 farm animals in need of a new home.

The project took place across November 17 and 18, with a big celebration on Saturday, November 19, to coincide with the centre's 60th anniversary, featuring a dog show with stalls and competitions.

Anneka said: “The Foal Farm Challenge was to renovate the dog quarters. We renovated a large draughty hanger, insulating it, and installing state-of-the-art kennels.

"As well as this we made three areas outside for the dogs, for them to play and relax and we surprised the charity with a hydrotherapy pool.

"The charity was an eye-opener for me. Foal Farm manage to find adopters for the most damaged dogs. The process of adoption takes place over months and the aftercare is amazing, with all medication and specialised kit taken care of.

“A highlight was Terry who turned up to landscape the outdoor area, roping in his three sons, who wondered what they had been dragged along to.

"They worked day and night and were elated by the end. Some of the local children and cubs helped us out so I ended up working with both children and animals and they behaved impeccably!”

Denise Hodge, commercial operations manager at Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre, said: “The Challenge Anneka experience has been brilliant – not only in terms of creating new and improved facilities for our animals but also to see the local community come together to support.

“Animals play such an important role in many people’s lives, but those without owners need care too – and that’s where we come in. We’ve seen a spike in pets needing rehoming, and this is mostly for two reasons.

"Firstly – many pets that were bought during the pandemic weren’t socialised in the usual way and are now struggling when left home alone, as their owners return to the office.

The UK is full of volunteers doing extraordinary things and this programme is a homage to all of them..."

"Secondly, with the rising cost of living many UK citizens can’t afford vet bills and the other associated costs of having a pet. We take pride in caring for these animals when they need it most – and it was amazing to see the Kent community and Channel 5 come together to help care for them too!”

Upcoming challenges from the new series also include constructing an entire "memory village" for people with dementia in the Wirral, creating a new outdoor centre for vulnerable teens, and building a giant food hub, kitchen and café for a whole community in Stockton.

Sidekick Dave the soundman will also make his return tonight as the team work with traders, experts, and the local community to complete the challenge.

Anneka said: “The UK is full of volunteers doing extraordinary things and this programme is a homage to all of them. It will remind you of how wonderful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself.”