Race Across the World is making a triumphant return to BBC screens, introducing us to five fresh pairs ready to embark on the mammoth task of journeying from Beijing, China to Kanniyakumari at India’s southern tip.
The new series will premiere tonight on BBC One (April 23), where viewers will meet ten hopeful contestants aiming to reach the final checkpoint and secure the £20,000 prize fund.
Among the new couples are Yin and Gaz, whose decision to tackle this gruelling challenge together, despite divorcing three years ago, will undoubtedly leave many fans puzzled.
While many past participants have used the isolation from social media and everyday life to reconnect, this isn’t the case for Yin and Gaz.
Having been married and known each other for 35 years, they now live together again, but their unexpected reunion on the show follows Yin moving on and experiencing a personal tragedy, reports Wales Online.
Despite parting ways, they maintain a strong friendship and continue to run their Chinese takeaway business together.
Yin, 54, had found love with a new partner Chris, but was left heartbroken when he tragically died. During her grieving period, Gaz, also 54, was there to support her and even invited her to live with him again while she regained her footing.
She stumbled upon the application process and, lacking any other friends she’d want to team up with, she asked Gaz if he fancied joining her on this wild ride.
Yin is still on the fence about whether Gaz signed up just to be a supportive friend during her time of loss or if he genuinely believed it would be a great experience for them both. Either way, they’re both in the race now and have shared why they decided to go for it.
Gaz opened up about his choice, saying: “I wouldn’t probably do this with anyone other than Yin. I know that sounds weird, because we’re not together, we’re not husband and wife, but we’re still best mates. And I think even now, could I do this with my brother? No. Could I do this with any other mates? No. And Yin was pretty much the same.”
Yin sees it as a blessing from Chris, feeling his presence in their decision: “I definitely see it like a gift from Chris. I know he’s gone, but I do think that he has had a meddling hand in this. He would be laughing hysterically but also cheering us on, wishing he was there, seeing all the different things and getting the new experiences.”
In preparation for the race, Yin and Gaz have been training together, even escaping to the Lake District to hone their strategy. Reflecting on their journey so far, Yin said: “This whole process so far has also been a vehicle for us to talk about when we were married, but in a really nice way.”
After the tragic loss of her former partner Chris in 2023, Yin felt a pull towards embarking on a new adventure. She’s spent the last year living in the cupboard under the stairs at her ex-husband Gaz’s house, mourning and finding solace.
It was during this period of reflection that she decided to join Race Across the World. Yin shared her motivation, saying: “I think it came from me. I saw the advert, and in that moment thought, you know what? I really want to do that. The last year has been quite a personal journey for me.”
She continued, detailing her personal life: “Gaz and I, although we used to be married, we’ve been separated for about three years. And then when we split up, I found another partner, but he passed away suddenly in September.”
Yin reflected on the impact Chris had on her, adding: “The last year has been tough, but one of the things that Chris gave me was a real sense of adventure, and he really liked traveling. We talked a lot about traveling and so when this came along, I thought ‘why not’. Something inside me made me fill out the application form.”
Race Across the World returns tonight on Wednesday April 23 at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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