Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner dies at the age of 61 a year after son's tragic death
Her son Sam died last year following a car accidentJo Gardiner, who appeared on BBC’s Race Across the World with her son Sam, has died aged 61. Her family confirmed the news in a statement.
They said Jo died “following a long and courageous battle with cancer”. The family also remembered her as “an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving”.
Jo came from Manchester and worked as a physiotherapist. Her appearance in the programme’s second series in 2020 introduced her to BBC viewers alongside Sam.
Her death comes just over a year after Sam died in June 2025 following a car crash. He was 24 and had shared the Race Across the World journey with his mother five years earlier.
Jo Gardiner’s Race Across the World journey
Race Across the World brought Jo and Sam together as contestants for its second series. The mother and son travelled across South America as part of the BBC’s global travel competition.
They competed side by side throughout their television appearance. The journey also reflected the adventurous spirit that Jo’s family highlighted when announcing her death.
Away from the programme, Jo worked as a physiotherapist in Manchester. Her family’s statement added a more personal picture, focusing on her bravery, kindness, wit and love for those around her.
They concluded: “As we grieve, we ask for privacy, but we also ask everyone who knew and loved Jo to do
exactly what she would have wanted: tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure,
laugh loudly and live life to the full. She was one of a kind. There will never be another her.”
Race Across the World statement pays tribute to Jo and Sam
Meanwhile, a Race Across The World spokeswoman said: “On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across The World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends.
“Following the tragic death of Jo’s son Sam last year, we paid tribute to how integral Sam and Jo had been to series two.
“Millions of people remembered their transformative journey across Latin America in 2020 and we hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo’s passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family.
“At the time of filming, Sam described his mum as amazing – and that is how we will always remember her.
“Jo became the matriarch of the Race Across The World cast family, she leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she touched, both through the series and beyond. It was a privilege to share her story and she will be deeply missed.”
What happened to Jo Gardiner’s son Sam?
Sam Gardiner died in June 2025 at the age of 24 following a car crash.
Sam died after his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police said at the time.
In a statement shared by a family member last year, Sam’s parents Jo and Andrew said they were “devastated”.
They added: “Sam left us far too soon, and while words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special.”
Race Across the World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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