Tue. Jun 10th, 2025
Race Across the World Finale & Love Island Return: This Week’s TV Highlights

This week concludes with the thrilling finale of Race Across the World on BBC One, as competitors vie for the ultimate victory.

But that’s just the beginning of a week packed with entertainment.

A new wave of singles enters the Love Island villa, I Kissed A Boy reaches its finale, Louis Theroux interviews Ed Sheeran on his podcast, gamers anticipate the launch of MindsEye, and Rebel Wilson and Jason Isaacs star in the new pop musical, Juliet & Romeo.

Here’s a closer look at what’s in store…

Wednesday brings the exciting conclusion to another exhilarating Race Across the World.

For those unfamiliar with the Bafta-winning BBC One show, it follows pairs racing around the world for a £20,000 prize.

This year’s contestants traversed approximately 14,000km, starting at the Great Wall of China and journeying through Nepal and India.

The stunning scenery is captivating, but the show’s heart lies in its relatable contestants and their compelling journeys.

Each participant shares a unique story, from the playful disagreements of teenage sweethearts Fin and Sioned to the heartwarming bond between mother and son, Caroline and Tom.

This season also featured sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, former spouses Yin and Gaz, and brothers Brian and Melvyn.

Love Island returns, promising another summer of romance, drama, and entertainment.

The reality dating show premieres on ITV2 and ITVX on Monday, marking a decade since its debut.

This year’s cast includes a motivational speaker, a gold trader, and a landscape gardener.

However, one Islander’s journey ended prematurely.

Kyle Ashman, 23, was removed from the show following reports in The Sun newspaper about a past incident.

In an Instagram post, Kyle, released without charge, proclaimed his innocence.

Following this setback, ITV hopes for smoother waters and aims to maintain the high viewership of last year’s season.

Tonight, I Kissed a Boy, the UK’s first gay dating show, concludes its second season on BBC Three.

Ten singles are paired and introduced with a kiss, testing their chemistry.

The series has showcased budding relationships, romantic complications, and plenty of drama, all overseen by Dannii Minogue.

Contestants hint at even more drama in the finale, promising unexpected twists.

Missed episodes can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.

By Guy Lambert, Culture Reporter

Ed Sheeran surprised fans with a recent appearance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Shortly after, he experienced a minor mishap, a fall on stage during his European tour launch.

Sheeran’s 2025 Mathematics Tour spans 13 European countries, featuring hits and tracks from his upcoming album, *Play*, releasing in September.

On Tuesday, he joins Louis Theroux’s podcast, available on Spotify, for a conversation encompassing his career journey.

By Tom Richardson, Newsbeat Reporter

A prominent figure in gaming, Leslie Benzies, known for his pivotal role in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, launches his studio, Build A Rocket Boy’s (BARB) debut game, MindsEye.

Releasing Tuesday on PS5, Xbox, and PC, MindsEye features elements reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto, but aims to establish an ambitious “multi-narrative universe”.

However, pre-release reviews have expressed some concerns regarding its quality.

BARB is committed to addressing these issues before launch, yet the game’s reception remains uncertain.

By Danny Fullbrook, Culture Reporter

For fans seeking a unique take on Romeo and Juliet, Rebel Wilson’s film, Juliet & Romeo, offers a pop musical adaptation.

Part of a planned trilogy, Juliet & Romeo has a one-night-only theatrical release on June 11th.

Featuring Clara Rugaard and Jamie Ward as the leads, and a supporting cast including Jason Isaacs, Rupert Everett, and Sir Derek Jacobi, the film’s critical reception has been mixed.