The BBC has officially unveiled the full lineup for the 2026 season of Celebrity Race Across the World. The series premieres tonight at 8pm on BBC One, sending four celebrity duos on a 7,500km journey from Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak to Melbourne, Australia.
The Rules Of The Road
The competition requires participants to navigate through five checkpoints across three countries without the use of modern technology. According to the production guidelines, contestants are prohibited from using planes, credit cards, or smartphones. The teams must complete the entire trek with a strict budget of approximately £26 per day. This stripped-back format removes the luxuries typically associated with celebrity travel, a transition that may prove difficult for some participants. A source familiar with the production noted that while Princess and Junior Andre have forged their own careers, they are more accustomed to five-star hotels than the hostel environments they will encounter on this journey.
A Diverse Field Of Competitors
The 2026 cast features four pairs, each consisting of a famous face accompanied by a relative or a close friend. Princess Andre, 19, and her brother Junior, 21, represent the only sibling duo in this year’s edition. Princess, who fronts her own reality show, and Junior, a musician, have stated they are eager to distinguish themselves from their parents, Katie Price and Peter Andre.
The lineup also includes veteran broadcaster Jeff Stelling, known for his 29-year tenure on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, who is competing alongside his son, Matt. Stelling has framed the partnership as a balance of experience and youth. Rounding out the field are BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Ella Eyre and her childhood friend Nana, as well as Eurovision star Sam Ryder and his tour manager, Kaz.
Experience As A Competitive Edge
For some contestants, the rigors of the race may be familiar territory. Sam Ryder, who rose to prominence as the UK representative at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, believes he and Kaz hold a distinct advantage. According to Ryder, the pair has spent years traveling together on tour, which has prepared them for the unpredictable nature of the race. The duo has known each other for 13 years, and Ryder noted that their history of sleeping in various locations while on the road could prove beneficial during the 7,500km trek.
Ella Eyre and Nana are also leaning on their long-term bond, having been friends for over 20 years. Eyre stated that the race provided an opportunity for the pair to have fun together, as neither had the chance to complete a traditional gap year. Nana expressed confidence in their prospects, suggesting that their competitors should be wary of their team dynamic.
The Path To Melbourne
The journey begins in the jungles of Northwest Borneo before the teams navigate the remainder of the 7,500km route. The BBC confirmed that the series will air on Wednesday nights at 8pm on BBC One, with episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer following the broadcast. The four teams are competing to reach the final destination of Melbourne, following in the footsteps of previous winners. As the teams set out from Kuching, they face the challenge of managing their limited funds while navigating the Indian Ocean and the various transit points required to reach the Australian finish line.
Broadcast Details And Previous Winners
The series launches tonight at 8pm on BBC One, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays at the same time slot. All instalments will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer following their broadcast. The 2025 civilian series was won by the sibling duo Roman and Harleymoon Kemp, who will hand over their crowns to the new celebrity competitors.
The route spans 7,500km from Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak through Southeast Asia to Melbourne, Australia. According to the BBC, the “formidable” journey passes through “prehistorical jungles” and across five checkpoints in three countries, including a crossing of the Indian Ocean.
Jeff Stelling, 70, and his son Matt have framed their partnership as a generational balance. Matt joked about the demographic realities of budget travel, noting: “In my time in hostels I have to say, I didn’t see a single backpacker in their 70s.” Stelling responded: “My experience, your youth – what better combination could you have?”
Sources
- Celeb Race Across the World cast with Princess and Junior as hit returns tonight
- Celebrity Race Across the World 2026 cast: Meet the contestants in the line-up
- Celebrity Race Across The World 2026: Who are the cast, from Princess and Junior to Ella Eyre?
Photo: Southbank Centre (CC BY 2.0)
