Betty and James may have finished third in the final of BBC's Race Across The World, arriving a full day after the winners, but they have captured the hearts of viewers. The siblings completed the 15,000km journey from northern Japan to Lombok, Indonesia, with just £1.48 left in their budget.
The pair's emotional journey resonated with audiences, particularly after Betty, 25, opened up about her rare condition, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, which left her without a uterus, womb, and one kidney. James broke down during the conversation, a moment viewers described as the 'moment of the series'.
Despite setbacks including going in the wrong direction and losing a bag containing their passports, Betty and James persevered. James said: 'We said no matter what, all we have to do is complete and to be third and not fourth that's the bonus isn't it?' Betty added: 'Coming away from this experience we've learnt how to communicate better, and we now both have an extra person to lean on.'
Fans took to social media to express their admiration. One wrote: 'Sibling dynamics can be complex... Been great to see the nuance as these two got to better understand each other.' Another said: 'Betty & James are a RATW pairing for the ages. They've shown so much growth and evolution.'
The winners, best friends Alfie and Owen, beat mother-daughter team Eugenie and Isabel by just eight minutes. Stephen and Viv came fourth, arriving 30 hours and 20 minutes after the champions. The four teams travelled over 50 days without smartphones, internet or bank cards.
