Race Across The World contestants have paid tribute to Jo Gardiner after her death at the age of 61. The beloved mum died following a long and courageous battle with cancer, her family confirmed on Monday.
Jo appeared in the second series of the BBC show alongside her son Sam, who died in a car crash last year. She is survived by her son Charlie.
Castmates share memories
Lizzie Slater, who competed in the same series, shared photos from their time together on Instagram, writing: "It's so hard to find the words to say how much Jo meant to us all. So many amazing memories we shared together. I am so lucky to have had Jo in my life. I take peace in knowing you're up there with Sam, hopefully having many many glasses of wine! Grateful for every moment spent with you."
Rob Lambra-Stokes, also from series two, commented on the Race Across The World announcement: "Miss you mumma Jo." Alfie Watts, who won the show in 2024, wrote: "Rest in peace Jo. Such an incredible woman."
Emon Choudhury's tribute
Emon Choudhury posted a series of photos with Jo alongside a longer tribute, calling her the "glue" that kept their on-screen family together. He wrote: "With a very heavy heart, we lost our beautiful friend Jo. I've been looking through these photos trying to work out what to write and honestly, I don't think there are words that can explain what Jo meant to us."
He continued: "When we went on Race Across the World we were complete strangers. We thought we were going on a race, an adventure and making a TV show. None of us realised we would come away from it as a family. And Jo really was the glue that kept that family together. She was always checking in, organising things, bringing us together and making sure we stayed in each other's lives. The TV show finished years ago, but because of Jo, our little family never did."
Emon also reflected on Sam's death, saying: "And I can't talk about Jo without thinking about Sam too. So many people got to know and love them both through Race Across the World. Losing Sam last year was something no mum should ever have had to go through, and it's so hard to believe we've now lost them both. I just hope somewhere, somehow, you and Sam are together again."
Legacy and charity donations
He addressed Jo's son Charlie directly: "My heart goes out to Charlie. I can't imagine what you're going through. Sending all my love and deepest condolences to you and all of Jo's family and friends. Things just won't be the same without her. But the family Jo worked so hard to keep together will stay together."
A Race Across The World spokeswoman said: "On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across The World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo's son Charlie, and her wider family and friends. Following the tragic death of Jo's son Sam last year, we paid tribute to how integral Sam and Jo had been to series two. Millions of people remembered their transformative journey across Latin America in 2020 and we hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo's passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family."
Jo and Sam travelled from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina during series two, which aired in 2020. They finished in fourth place, with Emon and Jamiul Choudhury going on to win. Last year, Sam died at the age of 25 after his white Volkswagen Golf R estate came off the road and rolled before landing on its side.
A JustGiving page has been set up in Jo's name, with donations supporting Diabetes UK, the charity she worked as an ambassador for.
