The popular BBC series returned with a bang for its fifth season
Race Across the World fans are predicting ‘TV gold’ over the coming weeks as they branded a duo a ‘box of delights’ after the first episode of its new season.
Returning for its fifth season on Wednesday night (April 23), the BBC programme follows five teams as they compete to win a cash prize of £20,000.
This season will see the teams racing through China, Nepal and India as they attempt to be the first team at finish line in Kanniyakumari, located at the southernmost tip of India.
The pairs taking part this year are sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, former married couple Yin and Gaz, brothers Brian and Melvyn, teenage couple Fin and Sioned, and mother and son Caroline and Tom.
Marking themselves as early favourites in the episode was Elizabeth and Letitia, with the latter revealing she used to live in China and had basic Mandarin that could help them.
Not everyone fared as well, with Caroline and Tom, and Yin and Gaz struggling to decide on the best ways of spending their limited cash budget.
One hilarious moment saw Fin reveal that ‘Chinese food at home is a lie’ after noticing several animal parts being sold at a market.
However, it was Melvyn and Brian who appear to have won viewers’ hearts, with the brothers embarking on their first trip together since the 1970s.
The brothers were laughing throughout the episode, including when they entered their accommodation for the night and noticed it left a lot to be desired.
Despite some contestants in the past potentially reacting badly to this. Melvyn said it was ‘exactly what he wanted to happen’.
Those watching at home rushed to X, now known as Twitter, to have their say on why Melvyn and Brian might go on to become two of the show’s most popular participants.
@KDCunliffe said: “Well …. I’m definitely Team Brian & Melvyn. We could be in for some TV Gold.” @pauline44 added: “Brian and Melvyn are already my favourites. #raceacrosstheworld #RATW.”
@RyanSoapKing25 wrote: “Just want to protect Brian & Melvyn already . They are naturally funny and look like they are having a good time. Plenty of sightseeing I just hope they don’t let that get too much in the way of the actual race.” @gillyn4 stated: “Love that Brian and Melvyn are taking photos and making memories, whilst having a good time.”
@reddevil1975 commented: “Well what a box of delights #raceacrosstheworld served us with tonight. All the duos are so lovely, love them all for different reasons… It’s so pure it’s so wholesome Brian and Melvyn had us laughing many times tonight.” @ruthabram posted: “Loving Brian and Melvyn already #raceacrosstheworld.”
Race Across the World airs on Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.