**Race Across the World Final Approaches as Brian and Melvyn Suffer Dramatic Setback**
The much-anticipated conclusion of the fifth series of BBC’s ‘Race Across the World’ is rapidly drawing near, with four teams still competing for the coveted £20,000 prize. However, in a surprising turn of events during the semi-final, audience favourites Brian and Melvyn experienced a significant stumble, which could potentially reshape their chances in what has already proved to be a nail-biting series.
This latest season has showcased extraordinary journeys, fierce rivalries and emotional highs and lows as five pairs set out from China, hoping to reach the southernmost tip of India—Kanyakumari—without access to smartphones or luxury travel. From navigating chaotic train journeys to negotiating costs with drivers and battling fatigue, the show continues to test the participants’ grit and resilience.
The original line-up included ex-spouses Yin and Gaz, sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, Carmarthenshire couple Fin and Sioned, brothers Brian and Melvyn, and the mother-son duo Caroline and Tom. As the weeks progressed, the pressure mounted, and the competition grew fiercer. While Yin and Gaz bowed out early, failing to pass the third checkpoint, the other teams pressed onwards through the daunting landscapes of Nepal and India.
In the latest episode, the penultimate leg delivered a shock: Caroline and Tom surged ahead, reaching the seventh checkpoint first. Their remarkable effort put them nearly seven hours ahead of Elizabeth and Letitia, who found themselves comfortably in second place. Fin and Sioned arrived almost an hour after the sisters, maintaining their underdog status yet remaining firmly in contention.
However, it was the sharp decline of brothers Brian and Melvyn that caught both viewers and fellow contestants off guard. Having previously secured a first-place finish at the last checkpoint, the brothers began this episode with a two-hour head start. Few anticipated their dramatic drop to fourth place, trailing a massive 17 hours behind the leaders by the time they arrived at the latest checkpoint. Their misstep not only dashed hopes for a straightforward victory but also brought fresh suspense to the series’ narrative.
With only the final leg remaining, all four teams are mounting their last efforts to capture the grand prize. The journey to Kanyakumari is not only a test of navigation and endurance; it has become a psychological trial as teams contend with mounting exhaustion and the ever-present pressure to outperform their rivals.
The public has been closely following the odds throughout the season, with fans quick to debate who will ultimately triumph. According to the most recent figures from Gambling.com, Caroline and Tom have emerged as bookies’ favourites after their latest impressive showing, shifting to 2/1 odds. In a sharp reversal of fortunes, Brian and Melvyn, who started the episode as 13/8 favourites, are now considered the outsiders at 4/1. Meanwhile, sisters Elizabeth and Letitia retain resilient support from punters at 2/1, and Fin and Sioned are holding steady with odds of 9/4.
Teasers at the end of episode seven suggested that the finale will be fraught with tension, as all teams rally for one final push. The 17-hour deficit faced by Brian and Melvyn may appear insurmountable, but as experienced fans of the show know, fortunes can reverse in the blink of an eye.
The grand finale of this year’s ‘Race Across the World’ will air on Wednesday, 11th June at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promising a gripping end to a journey that has captivated audiences and tested the mettle of its diverse contestants.
As the final approaches, the nation waits to see whether Caroline and Tom can capitalise on their lead, whether the sisters or the Welsh couple can upset the odds, or if the brothers can stage an unlikely comeback. One thing is certain: viewers will be tuning in to witness a thrilling finish to what has already been an epic adventure across continents.