Broadcaster Alex Beresford and McFly's Harry Judd are among the famous faces pairing up with family members for the first celebrity edition of Race Across The World.
Beresford will be joined by his dad Noel, while Judd will team up with his mum Emma. Singer Mel Blatt will also be taking part with her mum Helene, and British Racing Driver Billy Monger with his sister Bonny.
Hot on the heels of the emotional roller-coaster that was series three, the celebs will be taking on the same epic challenge but racing a different route.
This time they will start in Marrakech, Morocco, the most north-western country in Africa, and end in the Arctic capital of Tromsø, Norway, in a journey that spans 24 countries and over 10,000km.
Also touching Mediterranean beaches, historic and cosmopolitan cities, the Alps, unexplored Central Europe, the Baltic States and Scandinavia, the route will take the racers through every culture and landscape this part of the world has to offer.
There will be the exact same restrictions as in the original version: no air travel or any modern-day trappings, including credit cards, smartphones and internet access. They will only have the cash equivalent of completing the same route by plane, but can earn extra money along the way and call upon the kindness of strangers.
The BBC asked the teams to explain their motivations for signing up.
Alex Beresford said: “Neither of us have ever backpacked, so it's a new experience. And, also, just to see some amazing places! Across continents and across countries, and you’re getting to see everything at ground level, so it’s completely different to just flying over – getting to immerse yourself in different cultures and communities.”
Mel Blatt commented: “For the experience, to be out of my comfort zone, to do something that I wouldn't necessarily choose to do on my own. I’m definitely up for challenges and pushing myself… And this is what mum does all the time!”
Harry Judd said: “I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking and I always wanted to. I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.”
Emma Judd continued: “Yeah, I was young and one thing I think that I’ve missed in my life, not that I regret it, was actually backpacking and going off on an adventure like this. So, when Harry had the opportunity come along, I thought what could be better than going on an adventure with my son!”
The six-part series Celebrity Race Across The World will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2023.
