GMB presenter and Noughties pop songstress among stars battling it out in new reality travel show
THE Race Across The World celebrity special has revealed its sparkling first ever line-up.
Weatherman Alex Beresford, All Saints singer Mel Blatt, McFly drummer Harry Judd and racing driver Billy Monger will compete in the 6,000-mile race in the series, which kickstarts later this year.
But they’re not going it alone, as the stars will be joined by family members for the six-part series.
Alex’s dad Noel, Mel’s mum Helene, Harry’s mum Emma and Billy’s sister Bonny tag along for the race from Marrakech, Morocco, to Tromsø, Norway in a journey from Africa to the Arctic.
The group will have to rely on their street smarts to make the journey without mod-corns and luxuries including smartphones, the internet and access to their own cash.
Instead, the four celebrities and their racing partners will be armed with the cash equivalent of completing the route by plane, and a series of maps and travel guides to assist them on buses and trains.
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For Harry, the experience marks the first time he's travelled with a backpack, after years of touring with bandmates Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter.
He says: “I never travelled when I was younger.
"I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking and I always wanted to.
"I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.”
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His mum Emma agrees: "I was young and one thing I think that I’ve missed in my life, not that I regret it, was actually backpacking and going off on an adventure like this.
"So, when Harry had the opportunity come along, I thought what could be better than going on an adventure with my son!”
While for Alex, it's an excuse to explore other cultures.
The weatherman admits: “I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to do something that we’ve never done before.
"Neither of us have ever backpacked, so it’s a new experience.
"And, also, just to see some amazing places!
"Across continents and across countries, and you’re getting to see everything at ground level, so it’s completely different to just flying over – getting to immerse yourself in different cultures and communities.”
Melanie adds: "I want the experience to be out of my comfort zone, to do something that I wouldn't necessarily choose to do on my own.
"I’m definitely up for challenges and pushing myself… And this is what mum does all the time!”
While Billy concludes: "We’ve spoken about travelling before, but it would probably be a little bit different to what I imagine this is going to be like - in terms of doing everything on such a budget and staying in hostels and being tight on money for food.
"With this opportunity, I spoke to Bon about it, and she said it could be quite cool.
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"So, we sat down and watched the previous series and got more and more into it and then decided why not!”
- Celebrity Race Across The World will air on BBC One and iPlayer later this year.