Celebrity Race Across The World's star-studded line up in full and how to watch
Hotly anticipated Celebrity Race Across The World will finally air on BBC One this evening, following the star-studded show's premiere being postponed earlier this month.
The BBC series had been due to hit our screens on Wednesday 13 September but was pulled from the schedule just days before its big debut due to a devastating tragedy in Morocco, where parts of the series was filmed. Confirming the postponement at the time, a BBC spokesperson said: "In light of the earthquake in Morocco, we have taken the decision to postpone the first episode of Celebrity Race Across the World, which was filmed in Marrakesh."
On Friday 8 September, 11pm local time, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco. The epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 70 kilometres south of Marrakesh. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed just 20 minutes later. It's estimated that more than 2,900 people have died so far, with many more critically injured.
The Celebrity Race Across The World line up has been announced (PA)Who is on this year's series of Celebrity Race Across the World?
Famous faces joining the line up this year and taking part include broadcaster Alex Beresford and his dad, Noel; All Saints singer Mel Blatt and her mum, Helene; McFly drummer Harry Judd and his mum, Emma and British Racing Driver and pundit Billy Monger and his sister.
Starting in Marrakech, Morocco, and ending in Tromsø, Norway, known as the Arctic capital, the epic journey will span 24 countries and over 10,000 km. The route will see the pairs race through every landscape and culture that this part of the world has to offer: from the great North African city of Marrakech, through the seaside ports and beaches of the Mediterranean, to unrivalled historic and cosmopolitan cities, the mighty Alps, unexplored Central Europe, the fairy-tale Baltic States, and snowy Scandinavia.
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In this six-part celebrity version of the much-loved series, the four celebrities and their racing partners will race to a finish line that’s thousands of miles away – without the use of air travel or any trappings of modern-day life. Stripped of all mod-cons and all luxuries they will have to rely on their skills, cunning, ingenuity, and hard work in order to succeed.
Good Morning Britain star Alex and his dad Noel (Studio Lambert Ltd/Pete Dadds)
Billy and his sister, Bonny (Studio Lambert Ltd/Pete Dadds)Without the use of credit cards, smartphones or access to the internet and with just the cash equivalent of completing the route to their final destination by air, they will have to earn extra money along the way as well as call upon the kindness of strangers to help them progress. This incredible journey will give a unique insight into the celebrities and their relationships with their travelling companions.
Explaining why each of them decided to sign up to Celebrity Race Across The World, the teams shared their thoughts. Alex Beresford said: "I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to do something that we've never done before. Neither of us have ever backpacked, so it's a new experience. And, also, just to see some amazing places!
Across continents and across countries, and you’re getting to see everything at ground level, so it’s completely different to just flying over – getting to immerse yourself in different cultures and communities." Dad Noel Beresford said: "I’m into exploring new things, so this seemed like a good opportunity to see all the different cultures and how other people live and see how we get on."
All Saints singer Mel Blatt commented: "For the experience, to be out of my comfort zone, to do something that I wouldn't necessarily choose to do on my own. I’m definitely up for challenges and pushing myself… And this is what mum does all the time!" Helene Blatt said: "I like to discover new things and have experiences and it’s one of my passions – travelling, having new experiences."
The McFly singer and mum Emma (Studio Lambert Ltd/Pete Dadds)Harry Judd said: "I never travelled when I was younger. I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking and I always wanted to. I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22." Emma Judd continued: "Yeah, I was young and one thing I think that I’ve missed in my life, not that I regret it, was actually backpacking and going off on an adventure like this. So, when Harry had the opportunity come along, I thought what could be better than going on an adventure with my son!"
Billy Monger said: "We’ve spoken about travelling before, but it would probably be a little bit different to what I imagine this is going to be like - in terms of doing everything on such a budget and staying in hostels and being tight on money for food. With this opportunity, I spoke to Bon about it, and she said it could be quite cool. So, we sat down and watched the previous series and got more and more into it and then decided why not!"
Bonny Monger added: "We've always spoken about travelling and going and doing something together, but we’ve never actually been organised enough to do it. With this, it’s not organised for us, and we have to do it ourselves so it’s kind of like being thrown in the deep end and you've just got to do it."
Celebrity Race Across the World begins this evening (Studio Lambert Ltd/Pete Dadds)How to watch Celebrity Race Across the World
Celebrity Race Across the World had been due to begin on 13 September, but following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on 8 September, the series was postponed. The series' first episode is now set to land on our screens this evening, Wednesday 20 September.
The star-studded first episode will premiere at 9pm on BBC One or via the BBC's streaming platform. It will also be available to watch on iPlayer after each episode has been shown. Fans of the series are also able to catch up or re-watch the previous three series now on BBC iPlayer.
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