Get ready for another exhilarating season of BBC’s Race Across the World, a show that combines travel adventure with heart-stopping competition. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, 23rd April, as the series returns to BBC One and iPlayer with a route that invites viewers to embark on a captivating 14,000km journey across some of Asia's most breathtaking landscapes.
This season begins at the iconic Great Wall of China and stretches through intriguing destinations in China, Nepal, and India, culminating in the vibrant coastal town of Kanniyakumari, the very tip of the subcontinent. As always, what sets this show apart is its stripped-down approach to travel: no smartphones, no bank cards, and, crucially, no flights. Contestants must rely on their resourcefulness, quick thinking, and the kindness of strangers to navigate these diverse locales and reach checkpoints along the way.
The competitive edge is sharpened by the compelling mix of personalities and relationships in the five teams of contestants. Among them are devoted sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, the always-interesting dynamic of formerly married couple Yin and Gaz, the camaraderie of brothers Brian and Melvyn, young love represented by teenage couple Fin and Sioned, and the touching bond between mother and son duo Caroline and Tom. All teams are vying for a tempting grand prize of £20,000.
Behind the scenes, Studio Lambert’s Creative Director Tim Harcourt shares insights into the series' success. Harcourt attributes the show's popularity to its genuine portrayal of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges — a theme that resonates with audiences everywhere. Simultaneously, the BBC's Catherine Catton underscores the rising viewership among younger audiences, particularly on streaming services like iPlayer, a testament to the series' modern and engaging appeal.
Last season's incredible finish saw best friends Alfie and Owen clinch victory by a narrow margin of just eight minutes, setting an intense benchmark for this year’s contestants. Fans of the show are buzzing with anticipation, describing it as a shining gem in television. With promises of lush cinematic vistas and emotional dynamics, this season will not only showcase the diverse beauty of Asia but also the unrelenting spirit of adventure ingrained in human nature as teams tackle both cultural and logistical obstacles.
