The sixth series of BBC’s Race Across the World returns with the same winning formula: five teams of two are dropped in a distant location with only the cash equivalent of an air fare, a GPS tracker and a map. They must travel overland to a faraway destination, surrendering phones and bank cards, and earning money along the way through odd jobs. The winners take home £20,000.
This year’s journey begins in sunny Palermo, Sicily, and ends in Hatgal, Mongolia – a 12,000km route crossing eight countries along the Silk Road. With a budget of just £23.16 per person per day, the teams quickly discover the scale of the challenge. The opening episode sees them racing to the first checkpoint in Fiskardo, a Greek village on the northern tip of Kefalonia.
The teams offer a delightful mix of personalities. Nineteen-year-old Scousers Jo and Kush are hilariously confident, while siblings Katie and Harrison provide running commentary on custard creams. Uptight retired architect Mark and his bubbly sister-in-law Margo bond after caring for Mark’s late wife. Cousins Puja and Roshni seek to break free from conservative upbringings, and father-daughter duo Andrew and Molly navigate their differing travel styles.
Race Across the World remains a slow, kind and sincere reality show – pure escapism that has become a spring tradition. With its heartwarming dynamics and breathtaking landscapes, it continues to be reality TV gold.
