Destination X sounds like Race Across The World but with a game show twist just like The Traitors!
Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon hosts BBC1's new adventure challenge series Destination X. Based on a successful Belgian show, the series sees contestants taken on a European road trip on a specially blacked-out bus and then challenged to guess their location. But to win, they will have to be able to separate fact from fiction and reach a mysterious final destination.
“How could I turn down the opportunity to become the mastermind of Destination X, the thrilling new travel adventure series coming to the BBC next year,” says Rob. “It's a show that turns the whole of Europe into a board game — manipulating the players and the audience at home along the way. I can't wait to be the puppet master orchestrating every twist and turn as our contestants are taken on a journey where everything is not as it seems. It’s going to be a wild ride!”
Here’s everything you need to know about BBC One series Destination X…
Destination X release date
Destination X starts on BBC1 on Wednesday July 30 2025 at 9pm, then the second episode is at the same on Thursday July 31, so the series plays out in weekly double bills and episodes also become available on BBCiPlayer.
How to watch Destination X UK online or on TV from around the world
Is there a trailer
Yes there's a Destination X trailer released by the BBC. Have a watch below...
Destination X — how it works
Destination X promises to send contestants on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip with a difference. The players will have no idea where they are, and at the end of each episode, they must figure out their location.
Once they are on the special Destination X bus, their journey will transform into a real-life board game with challenges that will provide clues about their whereabouts. However, there will be plenty of red herrings thrown into the mix. At the end of each episode, the contestant whose guess is the furthest from their location will leave, and the first player to reach the final location, Destination X, will be crowned the winner.
Rob Brydon interview on Destination X
Rob Brydon gives us the lowdown on all things Destination X....
How does Destination X work?
Rob Brydon says: "The show sees 13 people travel around Europe on a very special bus – the windows are opaque for most of the time but can suddenly become clear at the flick of a switch, albeit very briefly. The players have to complete challenges to win clues as to where on Earth they are, and at the end of each episode, they go into a ‘map room’ on the bus and have to guess our actual location. Whoever is furthest away from ‘Destination X’ has to leave."
What were the dynamics like between the players?
"The great thing is watching how the relationships alter and shift, and how trust is sometimes misplaced between contestants. Only one person can win the money – and as it gets closer and closer to the prize, there’s some interesting behaviour…"
Did you take inspiration from anyone for your role as the host?
"I did look to Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors. She gets the balance so right – being mischievous at times, but always wanting the contestants to have a great experience. I ended up having a nice relationship with the players, and I was sad when someone had to go off the bus."
Were there any moments where you came close to accidentally revealing where you were to the players?
"In one episode, we were about to visit a lovely location. I was chatting with the crew, and mentioned where we were heading – and then I realised one of the players was close by. Luckily, they didn’t hear. I can be sure of that, because what happened next made it clear!"
Behind the scenes and more on Destination X
Destination X is based on an award-winning Belgian format that was created and produced by Geronimo, and launched in Belgium in 2023 on commercial broadcaster VTM. The executive producers of Destination X are Saul Fearnley and Lee Smithurst, alongside Twofour MD Dan Adamson, Chief Creative Director David Clews and Series Editor, Ben Cook. Director of Production and Operations Shireen Abbott will oversee production of both series. Twofour is part of ITV Studios.
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, and Syeda Irtizaali, Editor of Unscripted, secured the UK rights for BBC1 and iPlayer. The series was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events. The BBC Commissioning Editor is Michael Jochnowitz.
Dan Adamson, Managing Director at Twofour ,says: “We are so delighted to have Rob Brydon as the host and puppet master of this incredible series. Playful, smart and mischievous, we know Rob will strike the perfect tone and be the very best guide for our cast and audience alike, as they embark on a journey like no other. At Twofour, we always love working with brilliant talent on our shows and there is no doubt that Rob is the perfect fit for this epic and ambitious new series.”
Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment and Events at the BBC, says “Rob Brydon is the perfect host to guide our cast and audience over the course of this extraordinary road trip where nothing is quite what it seems, and we are delighted to be working with him on this amazing series”
All about Destination X host Rob Brydon
Rob Brydon is best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in the hit comedy Gavin & Stacey. He also presents Would I Lie to You? and starred in the film The Trip with Steve Coogan as well as its spin-off series. Rob played Sugar Daddy Ken in the Barbie movie and has also been in The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Marion & Geoff, My Lady Jane, The Rob Brydon Show, Oliver Twist and Cinderella. Rob hosts his own series Brydon &.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
