BBC RETURN TO CELEBRITY RACE ACROSS THE WORLD AFTER COVID DELAY

The BBC are returning to plans for a celebrity series of Race Across The World, TV Zone understands. Originally commissioned in 2019, the series was put on hold due to the Pandemic.

In this special celebrity version, four familiar faces will race with a loved one or close friend from the start line in one part of the world to the finish 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 talent rather than the privileges and perks of fame in order to succeed. This incredible journey will give a unique insight into the celebrities and their relationship with their travelling companions as they are pushed to the absolute limit.

Over the course of six episodes, the four competing teams will come face to face with the challenge of travelling without the use of credit cards, smartphones or access to the internet.

With just the cash equivalent of a one-way airfare to their final destination they will have to earn extra money along the way as well as call upon the kindness of strangers to help them progress, and ultimately win, this race of a lifetime.

Speaking on the original commission, the BBC's David Brindley, said: "We've been thrilled by the success of Race Across the World on BBC Two and now are incredibly excited to bring some famous faces to what will be an adrenaline-filled and entertaining series on BBC One...

He continued: "Our celebrities won't be able to rely on their fame and fortune on this journey and we can't wait to see whose wit and skill gets them to the finish line first, in what is fast becoming one of the most revealing and testing challenges on TV."

Tim Harcourt, Creative Director, Studio Lambert, added: “This format has been described as fiendishly addictive and was a smash hit for both viewers and critics alike. I can’t wait to see celebrities undergoing the transformative powers of this global race at ground level.”

Celebrity participants will be revealed in due course.

Celebrity Race Across The World (6x60') is made by Studio Lambert for BBC One.