By Salma El-Sakka
The new series of Celebrity Race Across the World will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 8pm. Four celebrity pairs will travel from Kuching in Malaysia to Melbourne, Australia, crossing five checkpoints across three countries and two continents without using flights or mobile phones. Each contestant receives a daily budget of £26 and must rely on local transport, maps, and help from strangers to reach the finish line first.
The Contestants
Siblings Princess Andre, 19, and Junior Andre, 21 — children of Katie Price and Peter Andre — form one team. Junior said the intense experience tested their relationship but brought them closer, while Princess admitted she underestimated the challenge and learned to live in the moment without her phone.
Singer-songwriter Ella Eyre, 32, teams up with her childhood friend Nana Pepera. Eyre described Pepera as "literally family" after over 20 years of friendship, including boarding school and living together. Both said the journey tested their bond but revealed new strengths, with Pepera noting she saw a different side of Ella.
Singer Sam Ryder partners with his best friend and tour manager Kaz Coles. Coles, who handles finances on Ryder's tours, managed the budget during the race. The pair said they made every decision together, discussing logistics thoroughly before acting, and found their decision-making process straightforward.
Veteran sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling competes alongside his son Matt. The duo are the fourth team taking on the transcontinental challenge.
Journey Details
The route spans from Kuching, Malaysia, to Melbourne, Australia, with five checkpoints across three countries and two continents. Teams cannot board planes or use smartphones, forcing them to navigate using local transport, paper maps, and assistance from locals. The daily budget of £26 per person covers all expenses including food, accommodation, and transport.
Participant Reflections
Princess said the experience taught her to appreciate the present moment and boosted her confidence, realizing she is capable of more than she thought. Junior highlighted the beauty of the places they visited, describing some landscapes as looking "like something straight off a postcard." Ella Eyre emphasized how she and Nana supported each other through every challenge, finding moments to laugh even in difficult situations. Kaz Coles noted that their shared approach to logistics and budgeting made the race manageable.
