The challenging journey will take place over two series exploring the diverse landscape of the two continents that make up a quarter of the Earth’s land space.

Reeve will start in the icy mountains of Alaska and journey down to the hot plains of Argentina.

The first five-part series follows Reeve as he travels from Alaska down to Costa Rica, with the second series – set to be filmed next year –set to showcase his travels through South America.

During his journey, Reeve delves into areas of the Americas few outsiders, or even locals, get to experience.

Being on the road and meeting “the most brilliant and bonkers characters” sees Reeve go from laughing, to crying, to feeling humbled and inspired.

Describing the journey as “mind-blowing”, Reeve said: “The journey has taken me from the freezing mountains of Alaska, one of the most dramatic landscapes you can see anywhere in the world, to the steamy jungles of southern Mexico, where I had a few Indiana Jones moments creeping through the jungle and stumbling upon the huge temples and buildings of an ancient civilisation.

“I really hope that viewers will enjoy it and learn from it, just like I have.”

Controller of BBC Two, Patrick Holland, praised the series for showcasing voices “from north to south, rich and poor, living through unprecedented environmental, political and cultural change.”

The series is due to start on BBC Two this autumn.