In a dramatic twist, stars of BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World shattered the show’s sacred no-flying rule during Thursday’s episode, compelled to board a plane after Nicaragua denied filming permission. The abrupt change at the race’s halfway checkpoint left contestants stunned, rerouting them just 90km away to Liberia, Costa Rica. This rare exception underscores safety priorities overriding the core challenge format.
Race Disrupted at Critical Checkpoint
The episode unfolded at the third checkpoint, signaling the midpoint of the 5,900km journey from Mexico’s Isla Mujeres to Colombia’s La Guajira. Teams received an urgent announcement: “It is not possible for the race to continue through Nicaragua. Teams must fly to Liberia (Costa Rica), where the race will resume.” Narrator John Hannah explained the shift, noting permission to film in the neighboring country was withheld, likely due to civil unrest or safety issues.
Production maintained fairness by preserving travel order and time gaps. The top three teams, separated by only eight minutes, departed the airport in the same sequence, with no on-camera interactions allowed between pairs. Cameras captured standard visuals like cockpit shots and window views, preserving the series’ aesthetic despite the deviation.
Affected Celebrity Teams
Four duos faced the upheaval:
- Anita Rani and her father Bal, known for their resilient partnership.
- Strictly Come Dancing stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who had surged to the leaderboard top.
- Actor Dylan Llewellyn from Beyond Paradise and his mother Jackie, climbing out of last place.
- Siblings Roman Kemp and Harleymoon Kemp, favorites in betting odds.
Contestants expressed surprise but adapted quickly. Molly Rainford exclaimed, “I’ve been studying my maps!” about Costa Rica, while Anita Rani quipped, “Onwards and literally upwards.” Tyler West and Rainford later reflected on the “massive risk” of their pairing but cherished rare peaceful moments amid chaos.
Core Rules of Celebrity Race Across the World
The BBC series challenges celebrities to traverse vast distances without flights, smartphones, or credit cards, mimicking a budget airline ticket cost. Originally eyed for a “Flightless” title, the format emphasizes authentic overland travel through public transport and local insights. This Nicaragua detour marked a stark violation, prioritizing production feasibility.
The Central America route demands navigating diverse terrains, from Mexico’s coasts to Colombia’s deserts, testing endurance and strategy. Betting odds highlighted Rainford and West at 40% win probability, with the Kemps at 33.3%, reflecting viewer investment in their progress.
Precedents of Rule Breaks in Race Series
Such disruptions are not unprecedented. In the non-celebrity Race Across the World Series 2, teams flew over Ecuador amid civil unrest. The 2025 season saw flights from China to Nepal over the Himalayas, as land routes proved impossible. Another instance involved air travel from South Korea to Vietnam.
In May 2025, viewers reacted to a China-Nepal flight shortening a leg to 800km, with some calling it “production prescribed cheating” on social media, though others deemed it necessary. These exceptions preserve competition integrity by upholding arrival sequences and time penalties, ensuring no unfair edges.
Contestant and Viewer Reactions
Stars embraced the pivot with optimism. Rainford and West acknowledged mental strains but valued the eye-opening destinations, previously unreachable on typical budgets. Fans lauded Roman Kemp’s handling of personal challenges, praising the human elements beyond competition.
Social buzz focused on the rule break’s fairness, with production halting filming in Nicaragua sparking headlines of “chaos.” BBC emphasized safety, aligning with past decisions where unrest or geography forced adaptations. The episode’s cockpit footage maintained immersion, quelling some skepticism.
Broader Implications for the Show
This incident highlights logistical hurdles in global reality TV, balancing adventure with real-world constraints. Nicaragua’s denial echoes geopolitical tensions affecting media, forcing creative reroutes without derailing the narrative. Teams like Dylan and Jackie gained momentum, shifting dynamics post-flight.
The series streams on BBC iPlayer, sustaining viewer engagement through authentic struggles. Past modifications, like allowing China’s bullet trains versus Japan’s ban, adapt to scale—China’s vastness justifies speed, unlike smaller nations. Future episodes will reveal if the detour alters the finish line.
