Race Across The World winner Emon Choudhury has paid tribute to co-star Jo Gardiner after her death. Jo, who was 61, died a year after her son Sam, who starred with her on the South America series of the BBC show in 2020, died in a car crash. Her family confirmed today that her death came "following a long and courageous battle with cancer."
Emon Choudhury's tribute
Emon, who took part in Race Across The World with his nephew Jamiul, shared a series of pictures of him and Jo on Instagram today, writing: "With a very heavy heart, we lost our beautiful friend Jo."
He added: "I've been looking through these photos trying to work out what to write and honestly, I don't think there are words that can explain what Jo meant to us.
"When we went on Race Across The World we were complete strangers. We thought we were going on a race, an adventure and making a TV show. None of us realised we would come away from it as a family. And Jo really was the glue that kept that family together.
"She was always checking in, organising things, bringing us together and making sure we stayed in each other's lives. The TV show finished years ago, but because of Jo, our little family never did.
"Looking at these pictures now is really hard. When we took them they were just normal moments, having a laugh and enjoying ourselves. You never think that one day you'll look back and wish you could have just one of those moments again."
Remembering Sam
He continued: "Jo, I really hope you knew how much we all loved you and how much you meant to us.
"And I can't talk about Jo without thinking about Sam too. So many people got to know and love them both through Race Across The World. Losing Sam last year was something no mum should ever have had to go through, and it's so hard to believe we've now lost them both."
Sam died in June 2025 at the age of 24, after his white Volkswagen Golf came off the road and rolled before landing on its side. Jo is survived by her other son Charlie.
Emon wrote: "I just hope somewhere, somehow, you and Sam are together again. My heart goes out to Charlie. I can't imagine what you're going through. Sending all my love and deepest condolences to you and all of Jo's family and friends. Things just won't be the same without her.
"But the family Jo worked so hard to keep together will stay together. We'll keep checking in, keep meeting up and keep laughing about all the memories we made. Jo and Sam will always be part of them.
"I'm so grateful this crazy race brought you into my life, Jo. You brought us together and you kept us together. Now it's our turn. I'll miss you more than I can put into words."
He concluded: "Rest peacefully my beautiful friend."
Official statement and legacy
In a statement following Jo's death, a Race Across The World spokeswoman said: "On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across The World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo's son Charlie, and her wider family and friends.
"Following the tragic death of Jo's son Sam last year, we paid tribute to how integral Sam and Jo had been to series two. Millions of people remembered their transformative journey across Latin America in 2020 and we hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo's passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family.
"At the time of filming, Sam described his mum as amazing – and that is how we will always remember her. Jo became the matriarch of the Race Across The World cast family, she leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she touched, both through the series and beyond.
"It was a privilege to share her story and she will be deeply missed."
Jo's family has set up a JustGiving page in her name, with all donations supporting Diabetes UK, the charity she worked as an ambassador for.
