Celebrity Race Across the World line-up in full
Who will be the fastest famous face?
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Ready to embark on an epic journey? The famous faces lined up to take part in the BBC’s new edition of Celebrity Race Across The World are – and it isn’t going to be easy.
First airing in 2019, this popular travel series challenged a group of contestants to make their way across the globe with the fastest to reach the show’s chosen end goal crowned the show’s winner.
However, like any good challenge, there was a catch: participants must traverse huge expanses without using air travel. Armed only with a budget equivalent to what it would cost them to fly to their end destination, players must hustle, bargain and rely on the kindness of strangers to get from A to B in the fastest way possible.
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Narrated by actor John Hannah, the series announced that a celebrity edition would be taking place in 2019 before COVID got in the way. Cut to 2023, and Celebrity Race Across The World is ready to set off – but who’s taking part? Let’s take a look.
When is Celebrity Race Across The World on TV?
Celebrity Race Across The World 2023 begins at 9pm on Wednesday, 20 September on BBC One. Viewers can also stream the series on iPlayer.
Celebrity Race Across The World contestants
In this celebrity special, famous contestants must make their way from Africa to the Arctic in what will surely be a challenge of wits, skill and tenacity.
Starting their journey in Morocco, this huge trek will see them cross 24 different countries and travel over 10,000km before they reach their final destination in the Arctic capital of Tromsø, Norway. Throughout six, hour-long episodes, they’ll have to navigate Marrakesh, traverse Mediterranean beaches, find their way through historic cities and pass through unexplored Central Europe.
That’s the challenge – but who’s taking part? Say hello to this year’s contestants.
Alex Beresford and father Noel
Day job: Alex Beresford is a weather presenter for ITV.
Why they joined the show: “I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to do something that we've never done before. Neither of us have ever backpacked, so it's a new experience. And, also, just to see some amazing places,” said Alex. “Across continents and across countries, and you’re getting to see everything at ground level, so it’s completely different to just flying over – getting to immerse yourself in different cultures and communities.”
Noel added: “I’m into exploring new things, so this seemed like a good opportunity to see all the different cultures and how other people live and see how we get on.”
Mel Blatt and mother Helene
Occupation: Mel Blatt is a singer and member of the band All Saints.
Why they joined the show: “For the experience, to be out of my comfort zone, to do something that I wouldn't necessarily choose to do on my own,” says Mel. “I’m definitely up for challenges and pushing myself… And this is what mum does all the time!”
Helene is equally excited about the challenge, saying: “I like to discover new things and have experiences and it’s one of my passions – travelling, having new experiences.”
Harry Judd and mother Emma
Occupation: Harry Judd is the drummer in McFly.
Why they joined the show: “I never travelled when I was younger,” admits Harry. “I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking and I always wanted to. I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.”
Emma joined for similar reasons: “I was young and one thing I think that I’ve missed in my life, not that I regret it, was actually backpacking and going off on an adventure like this. So, when Harry had the opportunity come along, I thought what could be better than going on an adventure with my son!”
Billy Monger and sister Bonny
Occupation: Billy Monger is a British racing driver and pundit.
Why they joined the show: “With this opportunity, I spoke to Bon about it, and she said it could be quite cool. So, we sat down and watched the previous series and got more and more into it and then decided why not!”
Bonny added: “We've always spoken about travelling and going and doing something together, but we’ve never actually been organised enough to do it. With this, it’s not organised for us, and we have to do it ourselves so it’s kind of like being thrown in the deep end and you've just got to do it.”
Celebrity Race Across The World airs on BBC One and iPlayer from Wednesday, 20 September at 9pm.
