RACE ACROSS THE WORLD: FIRST LOOK AND MEET THE TEAMS FOR UPCOMING SERIES ON BBC ONE

On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those selected will experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.   

Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they will travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions. 

But the physical journey is only half of the story as they take on the challenge of travelling across the world, perhaps the greatest thing they’ll discover is about themselves and one another.   

The Great Wall of China is the starting point of this year's epic race. Five teams must navigate three of Asia’s most diverse nations, China, Nepal and India, in a race of over 14,000km to reach the finish line, Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.

Racing across vast distances without smartphones or bank cards, and armed only with cash equating to the cost of flying the route, our teams will be pushed to their absolute limits. Only one team can claim victory over the others and win the cash prize of £20,000.

THE TEAMS

Fin and Sioned

The youngest pair in the race, Fin, 18, and Sioned, 19, are a teenage couple from Carmarthen, Wales. Keen to explore the world beyond the boundaries of their small village, the pair are initially overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge. Sioned’s plan to stop and strategise proves fruitful, and the pair secure an early head start. But as they tackle some of China’s biggest cities, will they manage to maintain their lead?

Brian and Melvyn

Brian, 62, a retired financial advisor, and Melvyn, 65, a driving instructor, are brothers looking to reconnect, having barely spent any time together since childhood. Despite completely contrasting lifestyles, and a different approach to travel, they’re keen to discover if they have anything in common. Brian’s desire to pursue experiences leads them to visit the Longmen Grottoes, a series of caves that are home to thousands of Buddhist statues. But their push for cultural experiences puts their position in the race at risk.

Elizabeth and Letitia

Sisters Elizabeth, 33, and Letitia, 26, have travelled extensively but never with each other. A seven-year age gap and ten years living in different countries mean the sisters aren’t as close as they once were. Their plan: to use their experience and language skills to advance their race by garnering travel tips from locals and staying in rural homestays.

Gaz and Yin

Headstrong Yin and pragmatic Gaz, both 54, are a former married couple and have supported each other through highs and lows over the past 35 years. Having run a Chinese takeaway together, they’re unafraid of hard graft. A tricky start puts their determination to the test, before a stroll through a marriage market in Shanghai leads them to reflect on their relationship.

Tom and Caroline

Son and Mother

Housewife Caroline, 60, wants to prove she’s more than just ‘mum’, and son Tom, 21, wants to show her the world through his eyes. With ten months' travelling experience under his belt, Tom takes the lead, but they hit a rocky start trying to escape the vast city of Beijing.

Race Across The World returns Wednesday 23rd April at 9pm on BBC One.