Spoiler Alert: This article reveals the winners of Race Across the World.
Caroline and Tom Bridge, a mother-son duo, have won the fifth series of BBC One’s Race Across the World.
The competition saw five teams race approximately 8,700 miles (14,000km) from the Great Wall of China to Kanniyakumari, India’s southernmost tip.
An emotional Caroline shared, “We must never doubt ourselves again, ever, ever, ever.”
Tom added, “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m speechless. To race for 51 days through countries I never imagined visiting, achieving so much… I’ve never been prouder of my mum.” The winning team will share a £20,000 prize.
Teams navigated seven checkpoints across China, Nepal, and India. As per the show’s format, air travel was prohibited, and participants received a budget of £1140 per person – equivalent to a one-way plane ticket.
Smartphones and bank cards were also off-limits, forcing contestants to rely on their resourcefulness for transport, food, and lodging.
According to BARB, each episode attracted nearly 6 million viewers, encompassing live broadcasts and seven-day iPlayer catch-up viewing.
This made the show the UK’s most-watched program across all channels and platforms each week, except for the week of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Caroline and Tom, from Hargrave near Bury St Edmunds, embarked on the adventure to forge lasting memories. While 21-year-old Tom had prior travel experience in South America and Europe, this was a significant journey for Caroline, 60.
The show provided a platform for Caroline to reflect on rediscovering her identity beyond motherhood and marriage, while Tom gained confidence by openly sharing about his cerebral palsy.
A celebrity edition is anticipated in 2025 or 2026, as per the BBC’s annual plan.
Produced by Studio Lambert (also behind *The Traitors*, *Gogglebox*, and *Squid Game: The Challenge*), the show’s next series applications are open until July 6th.
Melvyn and Brian Mole discuss their *Race Across the World* experience.
Jordan Burrow, a contestant from *I Kissed a Boy*, shares his experiences.
Brian and Melvyn Mole on using the show to reconnect.
Kyle Ashman’s removal from a reality series.
Details regarding an actor’s passing.