Celebrities race 7,500km from Borneo to Melbourne on tight budget
Four pairs of contestants begin a new series of the BBC show Wednesday with a daily travel limit of 26 pounds.
By Isaac Medina ·
Celebrity Race Across the World begins its fourth series on BBC One at 8pm on Wednesday, October 28. The new season features four pairs of contestants who will travel from Kuching in Malaysia to Melbourne in Australia. The route covers a distance of 7,500 kilometers and includes five distinct checkpoints. Unlike previous seasons, the journey concludes in the southern hemisphere after the teams cross the Indian Ocean and traverse various jungles.
The participants face a strict financial constraint, with a total budget of approximately 26 pounds per day to cover their transportation needs. They must rely on local transport methods and the assistance of strangers along the way. The series follows the BBC's BAFTA-winning format, where celebrity pairs compete to complete the journey first without the aid of a cash prize.
One of the competing pairs consists of singer Ella Eyre and her childhood friend Nana. The two have been friends for 20 years and view the trip as a substitute for a gap year. Nana expressed confidence in their partnership, stating that they would make a good team and fearing for their competitors.
Sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling is competing alongside his son Matt. Stelling noted that the timing is appropriate as he no longer faces the same professional demands as in the past. He described work as a massive part of his life, making this adventure a perfect next step.
Princess and Junior, the children of Katie Price and Peter Andre, form another pair. They aim to establish their own identities separate from their parents' fame. Princess mentioned that they often face comparisons to their family, while Junior stated that they have much to prove and are excited to win the race.
Musician Sam Ryder is paired with his tour manager and best friend Kaz. The pair met 13 years ago and have maintained a close friendship since. Ryder expressed confidence in their ability to succeed, citing the many places they have slept in during their years on tour.
Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer at Studio Lambert, said the journey reveals two extremes of the modern world. He noted that the contestants provide unfiltered reactions to experiences that are both demanding and joyful. Jasmyn McGuile, Commissioning Editor at BBC Factual Entertainment and Events, added that the start in the Sarawak rainforest marks another series first for the show.
