An emotional revelation on BBC One's Celebrity Race Across The World has moved viewers, as contestant Jackie Llewellyn shared the heartbreaking story of losing her first husband just days before the birth of her son.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Revelation
During Thursday night's episode, which aired at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, Jackie became tearful as she recounted the personal tragedy to her son, actor Dylan Llewellyn. The pair are one of four celebrity duos racing across Central America, having already covered an impressive 5,900km en route to their final checkpoints in Colombia.
Jackie explained how being in nature made her feel closer to loved ones she had lost. "When I'm in nature, I feel like I'm close to heaven or something," she said. "I think through losses I have, I feel closer to them when I'm in those moments of serenity and beauty."
The Tragic News Before Birth
She then shared the devastating sequence of events. Jackie, who met her first husband when she was 22, was heavily pregnant with her son James. She was due to give birth on December 19.
"On the 21st, there was a knock at the door and those two fluorescent jackets," Jackie recalled, her voice breaking. "They said, 'We just want to let you know that your husband has been knocked over by a car and killed instantly.'"
She gave birth to James shortly after and found being a single mother incredibly difficult. "I had James and I found it very difficult on my own," she admitted. "I eventually got my act together and got on in life and coped and I met Barry." Barry later became her second husband and the father of Dylan and his older brother Cameron.
A Family's Resilience Through Grief
This was not the only profound loss Jackie has endured. Her son from her first marriage, James, died by suicide at the age of 20. Derry Girls star Dylan had previously spoken about this loss of his brother.
Reflecting on the impact of these tragedies, a tearful Jackie stated: "Losing two people very close in my life definitely has changed me as a person. When James had gone I was internalising it and trying to be brave and put on a brave face for the boys. It took me a while to be strong again, but I've had to be strong as a mother to my boys."
She also humorously recalled the chaos of raising three young boys, saying, "I had three little boys under three. It was absolute chaos."
Viewer Support and a Son's Love
Dylan comforted his mother during the emotional conversation, telling her, "You deserve the world, you're the best mum." When Jackie remarked that he probably didn't need her anymore, he firmly replied, "I'll always need my mum."
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their support and admiration for Jackie's strength. One viewer wrote: "Christ this poor woman's been through a lot." Another said: "Oh Jackie. Heartbreaking to lose your husband when you have a young child. And then to lose a child. The strength she has is unbelievable."
Further praise came from others who commented: "Dylan's mum has been through so much trauma I can't cope. This woman is incredible to be still standing," and "Jackie is such a brave, beautiful & kind soul."
The episode featured other emotional moments from the celebrity race, including Strictly Come Dancing star Tyler West recalling a fatal stabbing he witnessed as a teenager, and presenter Anita Rani's father Bal reflecting on his mortality. The series continues to showcase not just the physical challenge of the race, but the profound personal journeys of its contestants.
