Celebrity Race Across the World 2026: First look at new series as the pairs set off on their 7,500km journey

This is an epic adventure for them all
Natasha Rigler
By Natasha Rigler

Celebrity Race Across the World fans have been given a first look at the 2026 series thanks to some sneak peek shots.

The four new pairs were snapped as they set off on their gruelling and life-changing 7,500km journey.

This year, the celebrities and their travel partners will have to trek from Borneo to Melbourne. It will see them span three countries and two continents.

Sam Ryder and his pal Kaz collect their maps in a first look at Celebrity Race Across the World 2026 (Credit: BBC)

Princess Andre and her brother Junior are taking part, along with singer Sam Ryder and his best pal and tour manager Kaz.

Singer-songwriter Ella Eyre and her childhood friend Nana are in the race. Veteran sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling and his son Matt are also giving it a go.

Celebrity Race Across the World 2026: First look

In the new pictures released by the BBC, Eurovision star Sam collects his map and satellite phone alongside Kaz. The pair look nervous as they discover where they’re heading for the first time.

The maps and phones are all laid out on a table at the CRATW 2026 start line in Borneo.

Meanwhile, cameras capture Princess and Junior as they set off. Peter Andre and Katie Price’s kids struggle with their giant backpacks as they figure out which direction to take first.

Soccer Saturday legend Jeff and Matt pour over their newly-acquired map. Each team has a budget of £26-a-day and no internet access, meaning careful planning is vital to success.

Finally, Ella and Nana are seen carrying out their first job of the series. The contestants can take up temporary work during their travels to boost their budget.

Jeff Stelling and his son Matt plot their first leg (Credit: BBC)

Wearing a traditional seraung sunhat, the girls help out with agricultural work. They both appear in good spirits despite the hot and humid temperatures.

This year, the race kicks off in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in north-west Borneo. This serves as the gateway to the island’s vast wilderness.

From there, the teams will push their endurance to the limit as they navigate prehistoric jungles and travel through Borneo’s heartlands.

They must reach five checkpoints spanning three countries and two continents before making their way to Australia’s sunbaked southern tip, where the race finishes in Melbourne.

Ella Eyre and her pal Nana have already secured work (Credit: BBC)

When does Celebrity Race Across the World 2026 start?

You don’t have long to wait. The BBC has confirmed that Celebrity Race Across the World 2026 starts next week.

The first episode will air at 8pm on BBC One on Wednesday October 28, 2026. The show will run for one hour, with the series continuing weekly on Wednesday evenings.

We’re really looking forward to this one!

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Celebrity Race Across the World starts at 8pm on BBC One on Wednesday October 28, 2026.