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Race Across the World (Celebrity Edition)

(50 Posts)
TerriBull Thu 21-Sept-23 09:27:16

I love this programme particularly as it showcases off the beaten track places that aren't always that mainstream. This one which starts in Marrakech, was understandably postponed because of the very recent devastating earthquake. The first episode we are introduced to 3 fairly well known faces with their respective parents and a brother and sister Billy and Bonnie Monger, what a brave young man he is having had both legs amputated recently due to a crash during his brief race driving career. Last night they travelled through Morocco highlighting the amazing cities of Marrakech and Fez before embarking on a ferry to Europe with more buses and taxis through Spain to their first port of call in Portugal. The final leg of the journey will take them up to Norway inside the Arctic circle.

tanith Thu 21-Sept-23 09:34:09

The only one I’ve heard of is Alex Beresford the weather reporter. I usually start watching but lose interest after a couple of episodes it does get a bit ‘samey’ see if this one ‘grabs me’.

TerriBull Thu 21-Sept-23 09:41:31

I was actually aware of all of them, Melanie Blatt was a singer with All Saints a female group back in the nineties or maybe the noughties? but they had a few big hits. Harry Judd I remember from winning Strictly a few years ago and well I knew Alex being the weather man.

I've enjoyed all the previous series for the places they go to and to see who can stick to the budget, often there is an element of luck involved.

annodomini Thu 21-Sept-23 10:50:12

I enjoyed it more than I expected. Admired the two mums taking part with Melanie and Harry. I thought that Alex might be have a few disagreements with his father, Noel, who insisted on enjoying the sights and entertainments of Marrakesh before taking the night bus to Tangiers. But they all managed to reach the first check point and I see that the next stop is Corsica, an island I love and hope they will also enjoy.

merlotgran Thu 21-Sept-23 12:17:20

I think the two mums will be the stars. Billy Monger is such a courageous young man and his sister is a tough cookie. I hope they do well.

TerriBull Thu 21-Sept-23 13:15:57

Yes I agree, I think the two mums will be great and Mel's mother's French will come in handy if the next stop is Corsica. I enjoyed seeing Alex and dad's linger in both Marrakesh and later in Seville, I was there this time last year, so it was good to see it again.

Wheniwasyourage Thu 21-Sept-23 15:11:02

Why do so many programmes have to go for “celebrity” versions? What was wrong with the “ordinary Brits” they had in previous series?

Having said that, I haven’t watched any of this series so shouldn’t judge it, I don’t recognise the names of those of the “celebrities” in it that I’ve read about, and I didn’t think any of the previous contestants could be described as “ordinary Brits”! grin

BlueBelle Thu 21-Sept-23 15:13:45

Didn’t recognise any names and like tanith find it so predictable and samey I didn’t bother with it this time

Callistemon21 Thu 21-Sept-23 15:31:32

I didn’t think any of the previous contestants could be described as “ordinary Brits”!

They always have to pick people with a bit of a backstory to add a bit of interest. Or hope for some squabbles.

Usually there are more contestants; I wonder when this was filmed as Alex seems to be on screen every night.

I didn't know who the singer was, didn't take to her at all and she may spend too much of the allowance; her mother is much nicer.
I've heard of Billy Monger, his sister is not going to let up the pace!
The drummer and his mother are interesting but no, your child leaving home is not like a bereavement, stop whingeing about it.

Travel shows seem to be the in thing with celebs lately.

paddyann54 Thu 21-Sept-23 17:10:48

We;re watching because my SIL knows Billy Monger from his sadly shortlived motorsport days .He's an inspiration and such a lovely young man.His sister has always had his back and I'm sure that together they'll do well.

Nanatoone Fri 22-Sept-23 11:47:34

I found it interesting and the people are ok. I like that not everyone is young and fit. The young pair are fantastic. I don’t think Mel is going to be very successful but she does seem very unsure of herself. I thought her voice was lovely and nice to hear the song again. I’ll watch the next one for sure.

kittylester Fri 22-Sept-23 11:54:11

I quite like Harry Judd. blush

JdotJ Fri 22-Sept-23 11:55:31

Having watched all the Race Across the World (non celebs) series, I knew what to expect and haven't been disappointed so far.
I knew "of them" all.
My only very very minor gripe is with Harry Judds mum (who seems lovely) in that she constantly uses his name while talking to him. Surely she knows his name, she really doesn't need to add it into every sentence spoken to him.
Sorry Harry's mum (Emma), nit picking I know, it's because I worked with a lady for many years who constantly did this and I found it irksome then and I find it irksome now.

DamaskRose Fri 22-Sept-23 13:16:05

I’m afraid I haven’t heard of any of them …

missdeke Fri 22-Sept-23 13:30:31

I know of all of them, I would like Billy and his sister to win, but that may change as we go on. I'm waiting to see when Melanie's mum is going to put her foot down with all the let's get a taxi nonsense. They never really got to see any of Morocco.

Youcantchoosethem Fri 22-Sept-23 13:45:19

I love the two previous series and was eager to watch this one and found it thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. Already routing for favourites. I would absolutely love to do this challenge!

Beau1958 Fri 22-Sept-23 13:53:29

How authentic is this programme ? I’ve seen a bit of a non celebrity programm like this but often wonder if it is just bits filmed for entertainment or do they really honestly work all day at these obscure places and walk miles and miles in some instances !?

sweetcakes Fri 22-Sept-23 14:31:55

TEAM MONGER 👍👍👏👏

Sparklefizz Fri 22-Sept-23 17:04:11

Beau1958

How authentic is this programme ? I’ve seen a bit of a non celebrity programm like this but often wonder if it is just bits filmed for entertainment or do they really honestly work all day at these obscure places and walk miles and miles in some instances !?

I've always thought this programme is contrived, especially the so-called "jobs". In a previous series there was a lady who was sight impaired who couldn't really do many of the "jobs" she was given to do.

This time Harry and Emma were supposed to be doing 8 hours of bee-keeping. They puffed a bit of smoke and looked at the contents of the hives.

It's all set up for the cameras. I remember Amanda Owen regarding the series "Our Yorkshire Farm", saying that she had to walk repeatedly across a field half a dozen times before she was told the shot was done. It's like when a presenter knocks at someone's door and they introduce themselves, but the cameras have been there for hours beforehand so clearly the home-owner knew they were coming and who it was.

I enjoy seeing the countries and getting to know the people taking part, but the rest is not authentic (imo)

Team Billy or Team Harry.

MayBee70 Sat 23-Sept-23 11:24:20

Watched it last night and really enjoyed it. Did feel sad, though, thinking that I don’t think I’ll ever go abroad again and it took me back to my travelling days when I always used to use local buses and find local cafes to eat in. My travelling now is done via my iPad and it’s good that I can do that! I must admit that I did relate to Harry’s mum, though, as my world totally fell apart when my daughter left home, never to return. I think what she meant was that it was so sudden and his fame meant that she felt he suddenly belonged to other people.

MayBee70 Sat 23-Sept-23 11:42:11

I’ve just realised that Melanie isn’t the one that was married to Liam Gallagher ( which is all I can remember about All Saints). Weren’t they the first pop stars to perform on stage with a visible baby bump and probably overnight meant that women no longer wore the smock type maternity clothes that we wore but proudly exposed their tummies. Which was all very well for women with fabulous figures that didn’t put on weight all over when pregnant and then couldn’t shift it afterwards!

DrWatson Sun 24-Sept-23 03:51:56

There WAS a time when 'celebrity' meant something, now it includes a weather man and a couple of singers from groups. That daft show about the Jungle is even worse, and for those wondering, yes they are contrived, and heavily edited.

Mizuna Thu 28-Sept-23 08:51:55

I don't recognise any of the 'celebrities' but I do enjoy watching how they sort out their challenges, and seeing the scenery is lovely. Can't wait for the Norwegian segment, as that's my favourite area to visit.

TerriBull Thu 28-Sept-23 09:29:53

Poor Billy's leg in last night's episode, it looked and sounded so painful, anyone who has read Galbraith's Strike books will be reminded of how sore the leg becomes rubbing against the prosthetic, when the wearer is under taking something pretty arduous. He's a brave young man.

Some of the scenery and places visited look wonderful, that's the main reason I watch it really and to see how resourceful the contestants are and how their budget stretches over the course of the programme.

Visgir1 Thu 28-Sept-23 10:25:47

Love these programs, agree the two mums will be the Stars.
Billy is such a brave inspirational young man.
I did know them all, but the Weather man, he's a bit "wet".