How Race Across the World casts its pairings - and the secrets behind the new 2026 civilian series

This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine.

As Race Across the World is under starter's orders for another global runaround, Radio Times found out how the show casts its pairings.

We spoke to casting and welfare executive Zyreeta Abadji and series producer Michael Perry to get the inside track.

Zyreeta Abadji, casting and welfare executive

Describe the casting process

Race across the World lives and dies by its cast. We’re looking for authentic personalities, people who wouldn’t normally apply to be on TV shows. So, the process is quite extensive — in the interviews we learn about their stories and motivation, and make sure they’re robust enough, physically and mentally, to do the show.

How do you assess a duo’s relationship when they apply?

They submit a video. We look at their rapport and if we like what we see, we’ll invite them in and interview them together. We also speak to them separately to see if they’re on the same page.

We’re trying to see if they remain consistent or whether what they’re telling us isn’t as it appears. And we pick up on those nuances — do they complement each other? Do they have humorous anecdotes?

Do you also set them a practical challenge?

We want to see how people react under pressure without their phone or money. Do they throw themselves into it? Are they comfortable approaching and relying on strangers? Can they think on their feet? So, when they come to the audition (in London), we set a task. “You’ve got an hour to get from point A to point B without the use of your phone or money. Go!” We film that and see how they get on.

How many applications do you receive?

When I joined, on the back of Covid (in 2021), everyone was at home, watching TV. We had more than 100,000 applications that year. We’ve never seen those numbers since. It’s roughly around 40,000 or 50,000. It’s steadily climbing.

What dream contestant has proved elusive?

A grandfather/grandchild duo. We’d love it: There’s something about that relationship that’s unique and wonderful. Help us out, if you can! We’re casting for the next series!

And are you looking for a range of ages and backgrounds?

We want to appeal to everyone watching as much as possible. In the past, we’ve been criticised for casting middle-class contributors. We’ve done lots of work to broaden the appeal.

It must be tough telling some applicants they haven’t made it.

That’s difficult, because people jump through many hoops, but only five pairs can compete. When they do get through, the experience can be transformative.

It sounds cheesy, but it does change lives. For Brian and Melvyn — brothers on the last series — their trip was the launchpad to come back together. They discovered things about each other that they never knew before.

Do you have any big travel dreams on the back of your job?

I’d love to do South America. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough. I talk the talk, but whether I can do what these brave people have signed up to do — I’m not so sure!

Michael Perry, series producer

You were an assistant producer on the first series and did the initial recce from London to Singapore — what was that like?

It was an exciting concept, but we had no idea whether it would work as a programme. You do the journey for real, with the same budget, to make sure that the challenge is realistic. Quite quickly, we all realised that this was more than just a travel show and a race. It was about the people you meet along the way.

What was it like being the producer/director on the ground for four series, filming the duos on their journeys?

You live and breathe it. You don’t leave their side. You do whatever they do. But you can’t interfere. I’ve seen people leave notepads, or you might notice out of the corner of your eye that there’s a better option. You have to bite your lip.

What causes you the most anxiety now?

Usually, each couple’s assistant producer will give us updates over the day. But when they’re in such remote places, we don’t hear from them. You just don’t know what they’re up to. That’s anxiety-inducing.

The latest issue of Radio Times is out on Tuesday 24 March – subscribe here.

Race Across the World returns on Thursday 2 April at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Seasons 1-5 are available to watch on iPlayer.

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