Stolen equipment, civil unrest and stranded at sea: How Race Across the World is inspiring wanderlust… but for those behind the camera it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in TV [Video]

07:06 EDT 28 May 2024, updated 08:09 EDT 28 May 2024

Creators of hit BBC series Race Across The World have told how producers and contestants alike face ever-present danger from civil war, natural disasters and local unrest as they travel through some of the globe’s remotest regions.

The show may have inspired wanderlust among millions of viewers, but for those behind the camera, it is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in TV. 

Its fourth series, which has seen contestants travel from Sapporo, Japan to Lombok, Indonesia, is set to climax this week as the pairs compete to win a life-changing £20,000.

But the eight episodes and 9,300-mile journey has been beset with problems from the start – with dry runs of the route by producers being impeded by geopolitical issues, the threat of volcanoes and protesters.

Previous series have even seen repeated thefts of camera equipment and producers left stranded at sea for days on end.