Celebrity Race Across the World viewers have voiced concerns that sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling, 71, may quit the BBC competition after he became tearful during the latest episode. The father-and-son duo of Jeff and Matt faced another setback when their bus broke down during a difficult stretch of the journey through Indonesia, leaving Jeff questioning whether he could carry on.
Jeff's emotional struggle
Matt said: "Dad's struggling quite a lot this morning. He's feeling quite deflated, it's not nice to see." Speaking tearfully to the camera, Jeff said he would stop and go home if he were travelling alone. "I've bitten off more than I can chew. But as long as Matt wants to continue, I will carry on," he revealed.
His determination to stay in the competition for his son did little to ease some viewers' concerns, with fans wondering whether the pair would eventually leave the show altogether.
Fan reactions
One viewer wrote: "My hearts breaking for Jeff, his son is pushing him too far, he looks burst, take him home #celebrityraceacrosstheworld," while another commented: "Bless, Jeff. Keep going, bin the pressure of racing off and just enjoy the experience of making some memories with Matt in some incredible places. #celebrityraceacrosstheworld."
Another posted: "I can see Jeff and Matt quitting the race at some point #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld," with a fourth stating: "Jeff is really struggling. I think it's an incredible achievement to have done this at 71." A final supporter said: "Jeff is having a wobble. You can do it Jeff a #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld."
Journey through Indonesia
The episode followed this year's four pairs as they travelled from Balikpapan towards their next checkpoint at Rammang Rammang in Sulawesi, reports the Mirror. First, they had to cross the Makassar Strait, where their travel options were limited. With only one boat departing in the next three days, singer Ella Eyre and her pal Nana lost their lead as all four pairs had to wait for the same vessel.
Influencer Princess Andre and brother Junior made it aboard just in time and paid for a VIP cabin for the overnight crossing. "The race starts when we land," Junior declared, as the competition was thrown wide open.
Checkpoint results
After arriving in Palu, Ella and Nana headed inland, as did musician Sam Ryder and tour manager Kaz. Jeff and Matt chose the coastal route in the hope of finding better transport links and picking up work in a nearby town. Two pairs managed to leave Palu, while the other two were stranded overnight before continuing their journeys.
Princess and Junior reached the next checkpoint first after spending money on taxis. Sam and Kaz finished second, arriving around an hour and a half later. Jeff and Matt were still in Parepare, while Ella and Nana were also 100km from the checkpoint. The teams then travelled to Australia for the final stages. Celebrity Race Across the World is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
