Race Across the World dominated the headlines during late spring and early summer, and the final episode came down to a nail-biting finish at the southernmost tip of India.
The series invites a group of pairs to make their way across a continent (or large country) with a limited budget, no phones and no prior knowledge of what part of the globe they’ll be starting from.
While you may be sad to see the show conclude its epic journey across China, Nepal and India, it’s not all bad news. The BBC confirmed in its annual TV plan that the celebrity version will return this year.
If you want to know all the rumours about Celebrity Race Across the World 2025, including who the contestants may be and when series 3 may air, we have everything you need to know. You can also read up on everything we know about the celebrity edition of The Traitors, and Destination X: 3 subtle clues to watch out for as you play along.
When could Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2025 air?
The BBC hasn’t confirmed when Celebrity Race Across the World series 3 will air.
Initially, we estimated that the series would air in August 2025, as that’s when series 2 kicked off. However, there is another reality show taking up the Wednesday slot that Celebrity RATW usually airs in – Destination X.
This series takes up every Wednesday (and Thursday) 9pm slot in August. Therefore, unless it changes the day (or time) it usually rolls out, Celebrity Race Across the World probably won’t return until 3 September at the earliest.
The only question mark around this is that Celebrity Traitors is slated to air in Autumn 2025, and the main show of that traditionally rolls out on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
In theory, if Celebrity RATW has six episodes like last year’s edition and starts airing at the beginning of September, then the new edition of The Traitors would still hit its projected release date.
Typically, new episodes drop at 9pm on Wednesdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Note that the above date is just an estimation, and we should learn more in the coming weeks.
BBC / Studio Lambert
What could the route be for Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2025?
No route for Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2025 has been confirmed.
However, based on previous routes, three key areas of the world haven’t yet been explored: the USA, Africa and Oceania.
Of course, there are also large stretches of Europe and Asia that have been left untouched.
Who are the rumoured contestants for Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2025?
There are currently only a few names in circulation for the next series of Celebrity Race Across the World.
Derry Girls and Big Boys star Dylan Llewellyn has been reported by tabloid The Sun, while Yahoo Entertainment has reported actress, singer and presenter Molly Rainford teaming up with presenter, DJ and partner, Tyler West – the pair met competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
The same publication has also tipped presenter Roman Kemp and singer and sister, Harleymoon Kemp. We’ll add more new rumours as and when they are reported.
How to watch Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2025 from abroad
The only issue with Race Across the World possibly returning in the summer is that it may clash with any holiday you’ve got planned.
If you can’t wait until you are home to catch all the action, then never fear. You can still access BBC iPlayer live, with the help of a VPN.
VPNs (virtual private networks) allow you to browse the internet securely and privately by rerouting your IP address. One of the main benefits of using a VPN is that you can connect to servers from across the world, so websites believe that you’re based in a different country.
We’ve found NordVPN to be the best for unblocking BBC iPlayer thanks to its wide range of servers, affordable pricing and easy interface. There are other options you can check out.
If you’re travelling when Celebrity Race Across the World UK 2024 is on, then you can use this method – if you have a TV licence, of course. You can find further information in our iPlayer VPN guide.
Here are the steps you need to take:
Sign up for NordVPN
Jim Martin / Foundry
You can sign up here. By default, the Complete plan is selected, but if you only need the VPN, click on Get Standard. At the top, choose between a two-year, one-year and one-month plan.
Follow the prompts to create your account and pay.
Install the NordVPN app
Jim Martin / Foundry
If you’re using a phone or tablet, just head to its app store and search for NordVPN, then install it.
If you’re on Windows, then log into your NordVPN account in a web browser, go to the Downloads section and click Download app next to Get NordVPN for Windows. Run the downloaded file to install it.
Launch NordVPN
Jim Martin / Foundry
Launch the app, and sign in using the email address and password you entered when creating an account with NordVPN. On Windows you should see a screen like this, but other apps are very similar.
Either use the list of locations (the word icon at the top left) or scroll the map to the UK and tap on Connect to London. If prompted, allow NordVPN to set up a VPN connection. You might have to enter your Windows password or, on a mobile device, your passcode.
Wait until the VPN is connected
Jim Martin / Foundry
You should see a message to tell you the VPN is connected. You can see this with the green CONNECTED and a padlock above United Kingdom.
Open iPlayer
Jim Martin / Foundry
Sign in with your BBC account (create one if you haven’t got one) and then find something to watch. It should play just fine as the VPN makes it appear that you’re in the UK.