Anneka Rice’s chilling small boats warning as migrant crisis reaches climax

TV star Anneka Rice has issued a stern warning about the ongoing small boats crisis as the migrant crisis reaches its climax. The hit 80s icon is known for hosting several hit TV shows such as Challenge Anneka and Treasure Hunt.

The 66-year-old broadcaster became an immediate hit with Brits up and down the country who tuned in every night to watch her get up to mischief, jumping out of helicopters and scaling buildings. But before the mum-of-three became an entertainer, the broadcaster started out her career at the BBC as a journalist. In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, the broadcaster – who has teamed up with First Bus to encourage older adults to rediscover the benefits of bus travel – warned Brits that “history is repeating itself” as she looked back on her early career as a budding journalist.

Looking back on her career, she began: “When I left school, I joined the BBC on a two-year training course, and I was sent off to the World Service.

“After my course, I went to work in Hong Kong for three years, and as a newsreader, again and again, I was reading the news about the plight of the Vietnam boat people. They were risking their life on a daily basis to try and get on small boats to Hong Kong. I mean, look at how history repeats itself.”

After learning about the struggles the migrants were going through at the time, Anneka took it upon herself to volunteer at refugee camps to help provide aid for those coming to China in need of asylum.

She went on: “I’d be reading about these events on the news, and I’m only 20 at the time, and it just planted a seed.So I used to go and work at the refugee camps after I finished in the newsroom, and it was my first experience of this huge mass of humanity in global history.”

The broadcaster revealed that after 50 years working as a journalist and broadcaster, the world is still battling similar issues despite the advancements that have been made.

Anneka mused: “What I find interesting is that next year in 2026 I celebrate 50 years since I started that BBC training course. It’s interesting that arc for 50 years of political history, social history through programs that I’ve done, and the stuff that I’ve witnessed and seen.

“History does repeat itself, and that is why reading and studying are so useful, because you just get the wider perspective of learning sometimes.” Her warning comes after the number of small boat migrants has soared past 25,000 in seven months.

Some 898 asylum seekers were intercepted on 13 boats on Wednesday (July 30) - an average of 70 people per dinghy. It takes the total so far this year to 25,436 in 432 boats - the first time the milestone has been reached by July. The shocking annual toll this year equates to 120 arrivals every day - or one every 12 minutes.

Elsewhere, Anneka has teamed up with First Bus’ new campaign to encourage older adults to rediscover the benefits of bus travel. The campaign highlights the freedom and adventure that concessionary bus travel can offer.

New research from First Bus shows that 73 per cent of respondents in Weymouth use the bus for the enjoyment of the journey itself. Speaking about the campaign, Anneka gushed: “I’ve spent a lifetime chasing adventures – sometimes by helicopter, sometimes in a jumpsuit.

“But these days, there’s nothing more freeing than hopping on a bus and seeing where the day takes you. This campaign is about reminding people that the spirit of adventure never fades – and with a bus pass in your pocket, there’s a whole world to rediscover right on your doorstep.

"I've so many incredible people who prove that age is no barrier to curiosity, spontaneity, and fun. Whether it's trying something new, revisiting somewhere old, or simply striking up a conversation on the journey, that adventurous spirit is still strong."

For more information, visit their website www.firstbus.co.uk.