The anticipation is building for fans of gripping reality television as the BBC has officially confirmed the return of Celebrity Race Across the World for its 2025 season. The new series, set to air its first episode on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promises a dramatic journey across Central America, featuring a fresh lineup of celebrity contestants and their loved ones. The adventure will see teams race approximately 5,900 kilometers from the sun-kissed Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Mexico, all the way to the remote and breathtaking Península de La Guajira in Colombia.
This year, the show’s producers have thrown the spotlight on the undiscovered Caribbean and Pacific coast of Central America, a region lauded by the BBC as “one of the most diverse and visually stunning routes yet.” The challenge? To traverse the continent with no access to mobile phones, internet, or the comforts of modern travel—armed only with backpacks, basic budgets, and their wits. As always, the journey is as much about personal growth and relationships as it is about the race itself.
So, who’s up for this epic challenge in 2025? The BBC has revealed a star-studded lineup that’s already generating buzz across social media. The teams include actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie, broadcaster and writer Anita Rani and her father Bal, presenter and DJ Tyler West and his fiancée, actor and singer Molly Rainford, as well as broadcaster Roman Kemp and his singer-songwriter sister, Harleymoon. Each pair brings their own dynamic and backstory, ensuring plenty of drama, laughter, and perhaps a few tears along the way.
Dylan Llewellyn, best known for his roles in Derry Girls, Big Boys, and Beyond Paradise, is no stranger to the challenges of television. But even he admitted on BBC Radio 2 that this experience was something else entirely. “It’s like a whole whirlwind of emotions, and so many struggles and challenges,” he reflected. “But also, I feel like you grow a lot as a person. I feel like I’m a better person after it. We were a great team, we helped each other a lot. We had each other’s backs.” At 33, Llewellyn is set to show viewers a more personal side as he and his mum navigate the highs and lows of the journey together.
Meanwhile, Anita Rani, a familiar voice from BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, is embarking on this adventure with her father, Bal. Rani shared her excitement with fans, saying, “I can finally reveal to you all that I will be doing Celebrity Race Across the World with my dad. Yeah, with my dad! I can’t tell you any more than that. You’ll have to watch it to find out. But, yeah, I got to do the dream programme.” The pairing of parent and child is a recurring theme in the series, often leading to heartfelt moments and unexpected revelations as family bonds are put to the test.
Adding a bit of romance to the mix, Tyler West and Molly Rainford are joining as an engaged couple. The two first met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and Tyler’s proposal earlier this year had fans swooning. In a video announcing their participation, Tyler pumped his fist in excitement: “That’s what I’m talking about.” Molly chimed in, “I’m so happy we can finally talk about it,” while Tyler joked about his nerves and promised viewers, “It’s gonna be good.” Their chemistry and playful banter are sure to bring a unique energy to the race.
Rounding out the lineup are Roman Kemp, best known from The One Show, and his sister Harleymoon, a talented singer-songwriter. The siblings, who admitted they rarely get to spend extended time together, are looking forward to reconnecting. Roman shared on the BBC evening chat show, “I can finally say it. That’s why I was gone for so long. I can tell you the location. We spent a very long time travelling from Mexico to Colombia. It was high-octane, the scariest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Genuinely the most incredible thing I’ve ever done.” Harleymoon echoed the sentiment in a video message, calling it the “biggest adventure I could ever have imagined and the hardest challenge.” She added, “It is not easy when you’re watching at home on TV, I’ll tell you that. But we had some highs, we had some massive lows. Everyone is gonna see you carrying around your lavender eye mask. As a brother sister duo how did we get on? All will be revealed.”
The format of Celebrity Race Across the World is simple but brutal: teams must reach a series of checkpoints using only public transport, all while managing a limited budget and forgoing the trappings of celebrity life. No private jets, no chauffeurs, and certainly no five-star hotels. The journey is as much about grit and adaptability as it is about speed, with the breathtaking landscapes of Central America providing a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Previous seasons have set a high bar. Earlier in 2025, the civilian edition of Race Across the World saw Caroline and Tom, a mother and son team, triumph after a grueling 14,100km trek across Asia—a first in the show’s history. The celebrity version has also seen memorable victories, with broadcaster Alex Beresford and his dad Noel winning the inaugural series, and Scott Mills and his husband Sam Vaughan taking home the trophy after an unforgettable race through South America. These stories have resonated with audiences, highlighting the transformative power of travel and teamwork under pressure.
The announcement of the new season has sent fans into a frenzy online. Social media is awash with comments like “So excited - the best show!!” and “My favourite show!!!” The enthusiasm is palpable, with viewers eager to see how this year’s contestants will fare against the challenges of the road—and each other.
For those new to the show or looking to catch up, all past series are available on BBC iPlayer. The format, which strips away the comforts and distractions of modern life, has struck a chord with audiences craving authenticity and adventure. There’s something undeniably compelling about watching celebrities swap red carpets for crowded buses, and designer luggage for battered backpacks.
As the start date approaches, the question on everyone’s lips is: who will cross the finish line first? Will family bonds hold strong, or will the pressure of the race drive teams apart? One thing’s for sure—the journey from Mexico to Colombia will be anything but predictable.
With a fresh cast, a breathtaking new route, and the promise of high-stakes drama, the 2025 season of Celebrity Race Across the World is shaping up to be a must-watch event. Viewers can tune in on November 6 to witness the action, the mishaps, and the moments of real connection that have made the series a standout in the world of reality television.
