Race Across The World returns to BBC One with a brand-new series, featuring five new pairs racing to reach the finish line.
One of the most popular shows on TV, Race Across The World is back for its fifth series—though you might not know it’s narrated by a well-known actor.
This year’s thrilling journey kicks off at the Great Wall of China, as five teams set off on a race spanning more than 14,000km across three of Asia’s most diverse countries: China, Nepal, and India. Their goal? To reach Kanniyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
Advertisement This season’s teams are: sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, former spouses Yin and Gaz, brothers Brian and Melvyn, teenage couple Fin and Sioned, and mother-son duo Caroline and Tom.
With no smartphones or bank cards, and only the cash equivalent to the cost of a plane ticket, the teams must race across huge distances. Along the way, they’ll be tested to their limits as they compete for the £20,000 prize.
As the teams push the limits of travel, one man takes on a different kind of challenge back in the studio—narrating the hit series. Providing the voice that brings the journey to life is Scottish actor John Hannah, known for his roles in two iconic ’90s films: Four Weddings and a Funeral and Sliding Doors.
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At first, many Race Across The World fans didn’t realise it was him, with some mistaking his Scottish accent for Ewan McGregor’s. But once they caught on, they quickly took to X to share their praise.
One viewer wrote: “Good to hear the dulcet tones of John Hannah narrating the series. #TopTelly.” Another added: “Can we have some appreciation for John Hannah’s narration on #raceacrosstheworld – every word is pitch perfect.”
Fans continued to share their love for his voice, with one saying: “I will never tire of hearing John Hannah’s voice #RaceAcrossTheWorld,” and another chiming in: “John Hannah makes this commentary #RaceAcrossTheWorld.”
Born in East Kilbride, 62-year-old John Hannah rose to fame after earning a BAFTA nomination for his role as Matthew in the 1994 box office hit Four Weddings and a Funeral, starring alongside Hugh Grant. He later played Gwyneth Paltrow’s love interest in the 1998 film Sliding Doors, another major success.
Since then, he’s built an impressive career, appearing in TV shows like Spartacus, Cold Blood, Trust Me, and The Last of Us, as well as films including Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Damaged.
John, who is married to actress Joanna Roth and has two children, has been captivating Race Across The World viewers with his narration since the show first aired in 2019.
Since the show’s debut, there have been two celebrity editions. Last year’s was won by Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Scott Mills and his husband Sam Vaughan, who outsmarted fellow contestants including Jeff Brazier and Kelly Brook.
Race Across The World returns to BBC One on Wednesday, April 23 at 9pm