Race Across the World 2024: Fans react to first episode of the BBC travel series featuring Yorkshire siblings Betty and James as they trek from Japan to Indonesia by foot, road, rail, bus or boat

The series follows a team of five travelling 15,000km from Japan to Indonesia as part of a race across eastern Asia through some of the world’s most populous regions and some of its most undiscovered.

The challenge is to avoid using a plane to travel and instead embark on a journey via road, foot, rail, bus or boat with a budget of just the cost of the equivalent air fare.

The contestants are cut off from technological communication such as smartphones, the internet, or even bank cards, as they must travel the world in a unique way and one team will be in with a chance of winning a cash prize of £20,000.

A Yorkshire sibling duo, Betty and James, took part in the race.

The first episode of series four aired on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 and many viewers had a lot to say about the show.

Below we have included reactions from fans about the show and what they thought of the first episode.

Fans react to first episode of the BBC travel series Race Across the World

“Why this programme has only got a weekly 1 hour slot is beyond me. They must have enough content to put it on every night. I'd be watching.” - Deborah Annison

“Excellent. Love this show and John Hannah’s great voiceover.” - Amanda J Bennett

“I usually think I would love to visit the Countries they visit but Japan does nothing for me tbh. Now in South America, I want to visit EVERY Country… I still love the series though.” - Anna Marie Hamblett

“Lovely to see Japan having been there in October. Stunning country.” - Jamie William

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“Really enjoying it, but I think the two young guys will aggravate me, and also think they will fall out with each other.” - Gary Mickle

“Brilliant first episode, love all the contestants, can’t wait to see how they all progress.” - Lisa Willis

“I wouldn't be bothered about the 20k, I'd just enjoy the experience. Think the 2 young lads will start to grate on me.” - April Tucknott

“Enjoyed the first episode but not as much as some of the others seemed a bit rushed tonight. Think Isobelle and Euginie are going to struggle with their budgeting. That's a lot to have spent in the first leg for only a 2 min lead.” - Katie Ruth Cornwell

“Great 1st episode.” - Sally Fuller

“Brilliant first episode can't wait for next week's episode.” - Jess Best

“Eugenie and Isobel are going to struggle, spending way too much and only a 2 minute lead. Isobel is already grating on me. Love the other Mum and daughter team.” - Emily Jane Coxon

“Love love love this program… inspires us to visit more places.” - Barbara James-Lloyd

“Japan exceeds all my expectations. Gorgeous.” - Joy Clarke

“I can’t watch this show, I get too nervous for them being caught.” - Deborah Coffey

“An interesting mix of contestants.” - Alison Hart

“I’m rooting for them all - they’re all having such an amazing time, I don’t want it to end for any of them.” - Karl O'Leary

“What a start- so good!” - Melanie Bowden

“Great show tonight.” - Annette Orsmond

“So many unanswered questions!! But I enjoyed it tonight!!” - Rachel Owen

“So happy for this new series, looking forward to seeing how their relationships develop. Good luck to them all.” - Mono Jani

“Going to be a tough race this one!” - Craig Drewley

“Love this programme! Good mix of contestants!” - Susan Gale

“The retired husband and wife look like they are just having a free hol.” - Steve Jarman

“The boys need to stop using the word S**t, totally unnecessary. They appear to be arrogant and self-centered, yes they are in a competition, however, it is an entertainment show for which viewers are paying for their experiences. Good tactic to learn some Japanese. Taking in the culture and still arriving within 4 hours is also a good tactic. I love this show, albeit with a pair with the "we will win” attitude clear from their first video clip…” - Tina Gulami

“Sightseeing on first leg FFS no no no just get to check point fast u be way ahead that way then 2nd leg enjoy abit of adventure so stupid on the first leg.” - Paul McNeill

“Apparently, when in Japan, the best way to not spend too much is to avoid Tokyo…” - Robert Cooley

“Looks like a great one - these 2 lads hopefully have the time of their lives - what a great experience at that age.” - Philip Hardy

“Love the mum and daughter combos both pairs are fab!” - Deborah Toye

“Loving the married couple and the siblings - I think they enjoyed the first leg the most. Can’t believe how much budget mother and daughter spent.” - Tracey Ducksbury

“Always read what is allowed or not in a foreign country ... out of courtesy.” - Thelma Galyer

“If you blow 32% of budget in one episode, not sure you have a chance of surviving.” - Simon Hopkins

Many fans took to social media to send messages of support to Yorkshire siblings Betty and James on the show.

“Easy winners,as northerners,they'll just take their big coats n smash it.” - Dean Holt

“I love these 2 already.” - Guy Croucher

“Good luck team Yorkshire.” - Sophie Pullan

“She looks like a positive, upbeat type, and could be very useful to the team.” - Stew Costello

“Can’t wait!! Go guys!!” - Debra Makin