Celebrity Race Across The World - winner 'revealed' before last week of show

24 October 2023 , 19:33

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Celebrity Race Across The World - winner 'revealed' before last week of show

Ahead of the final leg of Celebrity Race Across the World, the ­consensus among the group is that the competition is Harry Judd and mum Emma’s to lose.

With the McFly drummer’s competitive streak, and Emma’s can-do attitude, the pair have led the pack the most during the 10,000km race across Europe. And on Wednesday night viewers will find out if the pair do triumph on the BBC1 show – or if they are pipped to the post.

Racing driver Billy Monger reckons the Judds are the biggest threat to him and little sister Bonny. Speaking before they embarked on the last leg, he said: “They’ve just been at the top from the get-go and they’ve been right in the mix.” Noel Beresford, dad of weatherman Alex, agrees, saying: “I always had my eye on Harry and Emma.”

(BBC/Studio Lambert)

But Alex, 43, believes that any of the four teams could triumph. “The race can be won in many ways. We’ve all experienced coming in last, missed buses and coaches. Your fortune can change in a second,” he laughed. “Winning the race would be the icing on the cake, but the ingredients of the race is the bigger win.”

Starting in Marrakech, Morocco, the celebs and their loved ones had to make their way across more than 24 countries to the Arctic capital of Tromsø, Norway. As they set out in search of the final checkpoint, Harry and Emma claimed it was the taking part that mattered.

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Harry Judd and his mum, Emma (BBC/Studio Lambert Ltd)

Harry, 37, said: “I feel like it’s anyone’s game. I love winning. But this time it feels different, because I’m with Mum, it feels like we’ve already won.” Emma, 63, said: “It wasn’t about winning the race, it was about the journey we’ve been on. I know I’ve done my best. It doesn’t matter where we come, we’ve had the most amazing, incredible journey.

"I couldn’t feel more happy in myself knowing we love each other and love is unconditional.” But she admitted: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we won.” She said the trip had left her with a totally different outlook on life. “It’s been a challenge, the lack of sleep, the lack of food, not having the creature comforts but it’s made me realise, you don’t need the luxuries in life,” she said.

Billy and Bonny Monger (BBC/Studio Lambert Ltd)

Harry, who took up his mum’s hobby of cross-stitching as a way of staying calm, said his ­highlight had been the long train journeys, “chatting with Mum and doing my stitching”. He added: “We probably have a slightly deeper connection in that we now have this special memory together.”

Good Morning Britain star Alex said the month of travelling without phones or bank cards, and on a tight budget, had been a hugely positive experience. “It’s given Dad and I an extra layer of love and respect. I didn’t think we could get closer, but we have,” he said. “I gained a friend, just one that can tell you off sometimes.”

Noel and Alex Beresford (BBC/Studio Lambert Ltd)

And Noel declared: “I consider it one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Billy, 24, said he and his sister Bonny had also been brought closer. “We’ve learnt a lot about each other.” Mel Blatt, 48, said taking part with mum Helene had made her feel like a grown-up.

“I know I’m not a quitter, so that was never going to be an option, but I can be a semi-responsible adult when I put my mind to it,” she joked. The All Saints singer said the hardest thing was being filmed around the clock. “That was actually the biggest struggle, not even the travelling or jobs, it was being quite self-conscious,” she said.

* Celebrity Race Across the World concludes 9pm on Wednesday on BBC1.

Nicola Methven