Latest news with #RATW
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The secrets to getting on Race Across the World as 100,000 people apply
The BBC's Race Across the World is one of the most popular shows on TV, and it seems to be one of the most transformational experiences that reality TV can offer, so it's not surprising that the producers get inundated with application to The show received 100,000 applications last year. From the slush pile, TV bosses have the tricky job of choosing the line-up for the travel show. It begs the question, just how is Race Across the World cast? And how easy is it to get on the show? Production executive Kezia Walker and producer Lucy Curtis from Studio Lambert, the company behind the show, have shared some insight into their process in a new masterclass — presented by Televisual and Sony at The Producers — shared on YouTube. Of course they have a wish-list (although the producers explained that the best stories are often the ones they didn't know they were looking for). "It's a travel show and I think people love — no doubt — they love seeing the locations and the you know beautiful GVs (general views) and the places we travel through but at the heart of it, it's about the people taking part," Curtis said. "It's a challenging casting job because the contributors have to sustain. It's eight episodes. The civilian version is eight episodes. I mean one of the things that I don't think anyone realised when they watch it, is quite how gruelling the process is to go through. It's a physical challenge and also a mental challenge as well." There is a special in-house casting and welfare team who work with the contributors from the very beginning of the show until way after they have left. These are some stand out qualities they are looking for when casting the Race Across the World series. Those hoping to take part in RATW must be "physically and mentally robust", the TV bosses explained. The application asks for a medical letter from their GP confirming their fitness. Also there is a tough audition where the participants must escape the Studio Lambert offices to a mystery location without their phones or credit cards. Talking in the masterclass, Curtis said: "So we have to make sure that the people who take part are really sort of physically and mentally robust. So that's a big part of the casting process. Everyone has to take part in what we call the escape challenge which is where they start from the Studio Lambert offices. "We give them a location in London, somewhere they won't have heard of and they have to get there without their phones or their credit cards. And then you sort of see the dynamic between the pairs unfold much more naturally when they've got a task to do." The casting crew are also looking for an interesting dynamic and relationship that will play out over the eight-week journey. Immediately former married couple Yin and Gaz, who are now best friends after the breakdown of their 30-something year marriage, will have caught the attention of casting bosses. Walker said: "You want that relationship you know? Something that often people can relate to whether it's siblings or parents or friends. It's something when you're watching as a viewer you relate to and making sure you've got a broad range of people from all sorts of backgrounds." She added: "We take them through the journey of the race, that you're learning something unusual ,or surprising about them that maybe on other TV shows, you don't have time to do that." Other than the relationship element, perhaps the most important part of the casting process is that the individual has a story to tell. The race element of filming is unpredictable. However, they can plan for the documentary style moments where the contributors share their life stories and experiences with viewers. "We've got these rich interesting stories to tell, and we can think about... we don't want to tell all their stories in episode one," Curtis said. "We don't want to lean into their backstories right at the top. We want to tell them slowly over eight episodes. So we can plan a little bit for for when those stories are going to come come out." The producer used the example of two stars from Race Across the World series four. "Alfie in series four who lost his mother when he was very young," she said. "We knew he was going to be going to Hoi An and in Hoi An they send these lanterns down, go on boat trips and send these lanterns down the river. So we knew that that might be — if he was comfortable doing it there — a really lovely place to tell the story about his mum." She added: "And then with Betty and James... Her story was that she suffered from this condition called MRKH which is she was born without a womb. And she was on just only comfortable talking about that with her brother in leg seven. "So episode seven, which is right at the end of the series. So it feels sort of quite different that we would be landing this huge story about her which is this huge thing to know about her right at the end of the series. But that was when she was able to talk about it with her brother — that was the honest and right time to tell it." The Race Across the World application asks if contestants have applied for other TV shows. The TV bosses don't want someone who is attracted to the bright lights of fame. Curtis explained: "And I think that's the thing with Race Across the World and and lots of other Studio Lambert shows is it's the type of people you might not usually see on television." Race Across the World: The Reunion airs at 9pm on BBC One on Wednesday.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Race Across the World's final pulled on my heartstrings'
This was the moving moment that Caroline and Tom won Race Across the World for me. Spoiler alert: it wasn't when the mother and son were running to the empty book that was waiting for them at the southernmost tip of India, at Kanniyakumari. Or when they were celebrating with their glasses of champagne. Just 15 minutes into the final, the pair are blissfully unaware their lead has slipped in Udupi while waiting for their overnight bus they had pre-booked to Kochi. Taking time to slow down, Tom and Caroline had the time to reminisce on the race as it nears the end. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, Caroline told Tom: "Travelling with you has, probably, been the best experience of my life." And Tom has the most beautiful response. He got his personal journal and he shared a passage with his mum — and with the millions of us tuning into watch the final. It's easy to forget as a viewer how hard it must be for the contestants to be vulnerable in front of the cameras. Those taking part in RATW are not your typical reality TV stars, chasing the bright lights of fame like you tend to find bursting through the doors of the Love Island villa. These are ordinary people who have let us into their lives while they go on the adventure of a lifetime. Sharing that special moment with us, Tom told his mum he felt like like he had already won the race. He told her: "This was a note to self when we were on leg six at the carpet place. I keep having a feeling that me and mum will win but I think we already have. "Just remember how lucky you are to be travelling the world, seeing the best things you can even dream of with your mother and having the best time ever. Remember how me and mum got on, how fun she is, and just how much you love her. "Appreciate these times and memories because there will be a time that I can't. This to me is winning. No amount of money can make me realise all of this." Caroline wiped away her tears — I must admit I was close to being teary myself — and responded: "That was absolutely lovely. Thank you." It played on my heartstrings and the Race Across the World final delivered. There was a lot to love about this final leg of Race Across the World. Brothers Brian and Melvyn were impressive. Hats off to the competitive duo who managed to close much of the 17 hour gap, leaving just two hours between them and the winners. It was just short of a miracle but the siblings couldn't have done any better in the final. The BBC final was edited brilliantly. Immersed in it, I felt the winning title was within Melvyn and Brian's grasp when they spent £172 on an overnight taxi. It would have made Race Across the World history if they had done it. They weren't the only ones to get taxis this episode either which was fun to see. With so little budget spent in India, the teams had healthy budgets to splash out on those all expensive last minute taxis. Immediately I was reminded of taxi-loving father and daughter Kevin and Claudia who ran out of money after getting taxis just about everywhere in Canada. The final was so close, especially between Caroline and Tom, Letitia and Elizabeth and Sioned and Fin. Only 45 minutes separated the three teams. There was just 19 minutes between the mother and son and their closest rivals. With all the drama, it would be easy to forget that it wasn't the closest final there has ever been. Cast your mind back to series two where Emon and Jamiul Choudhury won Race Across the World by just 20 seconds. Caroline and Tom are worthy winners. And I would have happily seen all the teams win. That's the thing about the race; it's not about the winning. Sure, the £20,000 would be nice but it's all about the journey and the memories they have made along the way. Even though none of the teams changed positions from the penultimate leg, the final was an exciting adventure. Race Across the World could easily be longer than eight one-hour episodes. If watching the series five final doesn't persuade you to pack your bags and immediately book your own adventures, nothing will. I'm already dreaming of my next holiday. Race Across the World is streaming on BBC iPlayer. The Reunion episode airs on 9pm on BBC One on Wednesday.
Powys County Times
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Family of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner ‘overwhelmed' by support
The family of Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner have issued a message of thanks for the love and support following their son's death and also thanked people for donations to a fundraising campaign set up in his memory. The 24-year-old, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mother Jo, died following a car crash last month. A JustGiving page launched in his memory by his family, in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), has so far raised more than £10,000. His mother said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting. 'We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people. — Race Across The World (@RATW_official) June 1, 2025 'I have been particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 'We adopted Sam and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents. 'National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.' Mr Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side. The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday May 26 and he died on May 29 from his injuries, his family said last week. Broadcast in March 2020, Sam and Jo ventured across Mexico and Argentina as part of the second series of the BBC show. Mr Gardiner's father Andrew said: 'When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NationalFASD (@nationalfasd) 'After some thought, I decided to set up a JustGiving page to raise money for National FASD in memory of Sam. The page is called Sam Gardiner; Super Human. 'I set the target at £500 thinking a few friends might be generous enough to make a donation. So far it's raised 20 times that. It's very humbling to see the RATW family rally to this worthy cause.' The National Organisation for FASD says on its official website that it 'provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, campaigns to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices'. The website also describes FASD as resulting 'when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body.. It says: 'FASD is a spectrum. Each person with FASD is affected differently. 'While more than 400 conditions can co-occur, FASD is at its core a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. All people with FASD have many strengths. Early diagnosis and appropriate support are essential, especially for executive functioning.' A message on the official National FASD Instagram account said: 'Sam lived his life full of love, exuberance and adventure as seen on BBC's Race Across the World. 'National FASD is both humbled and honoured to help carry on his legacy via donations coming from hundreds.'
South Wales Guardian
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Family of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner ‘overwhelmed' by support
The 24-year-old, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mother Jo, died following a car crash last month. A JustGiving page launched in his memory by his family, in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), has so far raised more than £10,000. His mother said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting. 'We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people. — Race Across The World (@RATW_official) June 1, 2025 'I have been particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 'We adopted Sam and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents. 'National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.' Mr Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side. The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday May 26 and he died on May 29 from his injuries, his family said last week. Broadcast in March 2020, Sam and Jo ventured across Mexico and Argentina as part of the second series of the BBC show. Mr Gardiner's father Andrew said: 'When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help. A post shared by NationalFASD (@nationalfasd) 'After some thought, I decided to set up a JustGiving page to raise money for National FASD in memory of Sam. The page is called Sam Gardiner; Super Human. 'I set the target at £500 thinking a few friends might be generous enough to make a donation. So far it's raised 20 times that. It's very humbling to see the RATW family rally to this worthy cause.' The National Organisation for FASD says on its official website that it 'provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, campaigns to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices'. The website also describes FASD as resulting 'when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body.. It says: 'FASD is a spectrum. Each person with FASD is affected differently. 'While more than 400 conditions can co-occur, FASD is at its core a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. All people with FASD have many strengths. Early diagnosis and appropriate support are essential, especially for executive functioning.' A message on the official National FASD Instagram account said: 'Sam lived his life full of love, exuberance and adventure as seen on BBC's Race Across the World. 'National FASD is both humbled and honoured to help carry on his legacy via donations coming from hundreds.' A private funeral will be held later this month.
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Family of Race Across The World's Sam Gardiner ‘overwhelmed' by support
The 24-year-old, who competed in the BBC One series alongside his mother Jo, died following a car crash last month. A JustGiving page launched in his memory by his family, in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), has so far raised more than £10,000. His mother said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting. 'We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people. — Race Across The World (@RATW_official) June 1, 2025 'I have been particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 'We adopted Sam and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents. 'National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.' Mr Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side. The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday May 26 and he died on May 29 from his injuries, his family said last week. Broadcast in March 2020, Sam and Jo ventured across Mexico and Argentina as part of the second series of the BBC show. Mr Gardiner's father Andrew said: 'When the news broke last week, friends asked how they could help. A post shared by NationalFASD (@nationalfasd) 'After some thought, I decided to set up a JustGiving page to raise money for National FASD in memory of Sam. The page is called Sam Gardiner; Super Human. 'I set the target at £500 thinking a few friends might be generous enough to make a donation. So far it's raised 20 times that. It's very humbling to see the RATW family rally to this worthy cause.' The National Organisation for FASD says on its official website that it 'provides support to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, their families and communities, campaigns to raise public awareness, and promotes relevant policies and practices'. The website also describes FASD as resulting 'when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body.. It says: 'FASD is a spectrum. Each person with FASD is affected differently. 'While more than 400 conditions can co-occur, FASD is at its core a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. All people with FASD have many strengths. Early diagnosis and appropriate support are essential, especially for executive functioning.' A message on the official National FASD Instagram account said: 'Sam lived his life full of love, exuberance and adventure as seen on BBC's Race Across the World. 'National FASD is both humbled and honoured to help carry on his legacy via donations coming from hundreds.' A private funeral will be held later this month.
