Jeff Stelling has revealed a significant behind-the-scenes issue he faced while filming Celebrity Race Across the World: many hostels refused to let him stay because of his age.
The broadcaster and his son Matt appeared on Wednesday's (November 4) episode of BBC's Morning Live to discuss their experience on the show, which has returned to BBC One with four pairs leaving their phones, credit cards and home comforts behind.
This season kicked off last Tuesday (October 28) as the duos set out on an adventure from Borneo across Southeast Asia to Melbourne, Australia, surviving on a budget of just £26 per person per day.
Hostel age restrictions
Jeff explained how his age created challenges, as he was denied access to hostels on many occasions, leaving his sleeping options very limited.
Jeff said: "When you're backpacking with someone like me, one big problem is that a lot of hostels will not let you in if you're over 35."
When host Gethin Jones said he did not know that, Jeff confirmed: "Yeah, we were turned away from hostels because I was over 35- well, only just," he joked.
Backpacking struggles
Matt admitted he had been "so misguided" about the trip, saying: "It's so different from just going backpacking where you could take everything at your own pace, and if something went wrong, well, you could just go book into a hostel and go again the next day."
He added: "We didn't have that luxury at all whilst we were racing, and we're constantly thinking on the race, 'where are we going next and how are we going to get there'."
Jeff also said he had to throw away half the contents of his heavy backpack, including a pair of designer jeans and a book, in order to carry it around, but called the challenge "a lot of fun."
Jeff, 71, is best known for hosting Gillette Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports for 29 years, and also presented Champions League coverage for five years from 2011 to 2015. Since 2023, he has presented TalkSport's breakfast show alongside Ally McCoist.
Also taking part in this year's series alongside Jeff and Matt are Princess and Junior Andre, Ella Eyre and her childhood friend Nana, and Sam Ryder with his best friend and tour manager Kaz. Morning Live airs at 9:30am on BBC One and iPlayer, while Celebrity Race Across the World airs Wednesdays at 8pm on BBC and iPlayer.
