Celebrity Race Across the World: who won, where to watch, celebs and more

Celebrity Race Across The World
(Image credit: BBC1)

Celebrity Race Across The World 2023 saw a group of ambitious celebrities hoping to be the first to cross the finish line.

Four famous faces were each partnered by a family member on a 10,000km race from Africa to the Arctic, ditching their luxury and learning to travel on a limited budget. Taking part are McFly drummer Harry Judd and his mother Emma, racing driver and pundit Billy Monger and his sister Bonny, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt and her mum Helene and broadcaster Alex Beresford with his father Noel

Speaking about the upcoming show, weather presenter and contestant Alex Beresford, who's traveling with his dad Noel, 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. 

"And then there’s also the excitement of not knowing where we’re actually going or how we’re going to get there, every day is up in the air and can either all fall apart or can all come together and hopefully it comes together so we can win! That’s why we signed up, right?!

Here's everything we know about Celebrity Race Across the World...

Celebrity Race Across the World release date

Celebrity Race Across the World began on Wednesday, September 20 at 9 pm on BBC One.

It concluded on Wednesday, October 25 in the same time slot. Episodes can be watched on BBC iPlayer.

What is the premise of Celebrity Race Across the World?

According to the BBC: "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."

The premise goes on to say that the celebs "will come face to face with the challenge of travelling without the use of credit cards, smartphones or access to the internet".

They have the cash equivalent of a one-way airfare to their final destination so they're expected to earn extra money and rely on the kindness of strangers if they want to win.

Who's took part in Celebrity Race Across the World?

Noel Beresford, Alex Beresford, Bonny Monger, Helene Blatt, Melanie Blatt, Emma Judd and Harry Judd

Celebrity Race Across the World line-up: Noel Beresford, Alex Beresford, Bonny Monger, Helene Blatt, Melanie Blatt, Emma Judd and Harry Judd. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The series follows celebrities and their chosen partners who will accompany them on the epic global race.

The line-up for the programme is broadcaster Alex Beresford and his dad, Noel; 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, Bonny.

Speaking about trekking across the world with his mother, Harry said: "We experienced some amazing things, saw incredible sights and met some wonderful people but probably the thing I enjoyed most was spending 10 hours on a train some days sitting with mum and talking the whole time. That was the most special thing for me."

Unfortunately, Billy Monger and his sister Bonny had to withdraw from the competition due to an emergency.

What locations will feature in Celebrity Race Across the World?

The series started in Marrakech, Morocco and will end in Tromsø, Norway.

They added: "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 unrivaled historic and cosmopolitan cities, the mighty Alps, unexplored Central Europe, the fairy-tale Baltic States, and snowy Scandinavia."

Who won?

Broadcaster Alex Beresford and his father Noel were crowned the winners of Celebrity Race Across The World 2023.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, here's the trailer...

Lucy Buglass
Senior Staff Writer

Lucy joined the WhatToWatch.com team in 2021, where she writes series guides for must-watch programmes, reviews and the latest TV news. Now she works for our sister site TechRadar in the same role. Originally from Northumberland, she graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Film Studies and moved to London to begin a career writing about entertainment.

She is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and has a huge passion for cinema. She especially loves horror, thriller and anything crime-related. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress