Race Across the World contestant reveals what REALLY happens when they get to each checkpoint hotel in moments hidden from show
A Race Across The World contestant has revealed what it's really like when they get to each checkpoint hotel.
The new series of BBC adventure show kicked off this week and saw five pairs from different walks of life embark on a 14,000 kilometers race across China, Nepal and India.
So far, viewers have spotted a possible problem with one team's luggage after brothers Brian and Melvyn were shown carrying a suitcase while the others all had backpacks.
Mother and son duo, Caroline and Tom, faced their own issues when they found themselves stuck in Beijing's train station for quite some time.
While this season looks to be full of action and chaos, previous contestants and crew members have revealed all about what really happens behind-the-scenes.
Series four winner Alfie spilled that the teams can stay in secret hotels for up to two days at each checkpoint.
So far, viewers have spotted a possible problem with one team's luggage after brothers Brian and Melvyn (pictured) were shown carrying a suitcase while the others all had backpacks
Mother and son duo, Caroline and Tom (pictured), faced their own issues when they found themselves stuck in Beijing 's train station for quite some time
The stay doesn't make it to screens and the former player shared how they had to stay in the hotel due to 'safety' concerns in a Facebook group about the show.
Alfie explained: 'It does change depending on finishing times to make sure nobody leaves at an utterly ridiculous time - mainly for safety.'
Meanwhile, series two contestant Jen, who took part with her husband Rob, also revealed the teams are accompanied by members of the crew at all times.
While she insisted there 'isn't much viewers don't get to see', the two producers who travel with the teams aren't revealed to viewers on screen.
Jen also revealed that there is a 'local fixer' and a medic travelling about an hour behind them in case of an emergency.
She told the i: 'You are always with two crew members and a medic, with a local fixer close behind. The crew really don't contribute, despite what people think – however nonsensical our decisions might be.
'I remember crossing into a different time zone and almost missing a vital transport link, and the crew just had to roll with it. It's the same with our jobs directory – all genuine jobs on offer in the local areas, simply compiled.'
While this season looks to be full of action and chaos, previous contestants and crew members have revealed all about what really happens behind-the-scenes including series four winner Alfie (pictured)
Meanwhile, series two contestant Jen, who took part with her husband Rob, also revealed the teams are accompanied by members of the crew at all times. Pictured: Series five contestants
When asked if it was really as hard as it seems on screen, Jen said: 'People always ask me if it was really as hard as it seemed. In short, YES. I was convinced that once the cameras stopped rolling, they'd wheel out the buffet cart and hand over the keys to the luxury hotel, but heck was I wrong. I really did have to sleep in that hammock. In my case, ignorance was bliss.'
Jen told how the crew travelled with them constantly and there always had to be space for them on various points of transport such as buses.
She explained that they were only able to travel if at least one member of the crew was able to come with them, but insisted this never impacted their route.
Executive producer Mark Saben told the BBC: 'They had to do the same journey as them, sleeping alongside them on the bus.
'So they were almost like a family, with its ups and downs. And while we had done recces, the teams found bits of the world which were totally surprising.'
Mark informed Broadcast that visas and vaccines for 'every conceivable country' are arranged in advance, with 'every likely bus and train option, cost and connection' being researched.
He said 'It's all very well doing it theoretically, looking at timetables and things' before adding 'but until someone does it for real, you don't know where the difficulties might lie.
The BBC adventure show sees five sets of contestants go head-to-head in a 14,000 kilometers race across China, Nepal and India for a huge cash prize. Pictured, contestants Fin and Sioned
'We drew up protocols that set rules for how the teams could hitchhike, travel at night and cross borders safely.'
Despite having a fixer and a medic at hand, Mark revealed that they are instructed to keep their distance to make their experience feel authentic.
He said 'How they made their journey was up to them. This meant as a production we had to react to their decisions, however nonsensical.
'It was a nightmare for production management as the competing contributors decided how and where to go. You cannot underestimate how challenging the journey could be at times.'
Race Across The World airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
