Race Across The World fans have been left furious and are accusing the BBC show's finale of being a 'fix', insisting that 'production stepped in'. The latest series of the popular competition concluded on Thursday, with fan favourites Jo and Kush finishing first and claiming the £20,000 prize.
The two students were the first to arrive at the finish line in Hatgal, Mongolia, arriving three hours ahead of father and daughter duo Andrew and Molly. After racing from Europe to Asia on a journey spanning over 7,000 miles, siblings Katie and Harrison came third, while in-laws Mark and Margo finished fourth.
During the final episode, it appeared unlikely that Mark and Margo would complete the race, as their budget dwindled to just 2 per cent. This left the pair facing the reality of not making it to the finish line, with no means to pay for transport to Hatgal. However, the duo reportedly managed to secure a 'free lift', which was not shown to viewers, allowing them to complete the last portion of the race.
Viewers are convinced that Mark and Margo received assistance from show producers to cross the final checkpoint. Taking to Reddit, one fan theorised: 'A cheap hitchhike, is that code for production interference?' Another added: 'Especially as we didn't see it on screen.' A third penned: 'I was thinking that too, it would have only taken 30 seconds to show us if it had genuinely happened.'
'I was also thinking this, they glossed straight over it considering last time we saw them they were struggling!' a fourth pointed out. A fifth viewer concluded: 'They certainly didn’t have enough money for a taxi, production definitely came through with an assist.'
Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. The sixth series of the BBC show saw four pairs race from Sicily to Mongolia without modern comforts to win the £20,000 prize. Best friends Jo and Kush were crowned winners after the 51-day race, ahead of Andrew and Molly.
Mark and Margo decided to take on the race together after bonding following the death of his wife, Margo's sister, who tragically passed away from an illness. After their win, Jo and Kush admitted they entered the show as 'a bit of a joke' after finishing their A-levels and did not expect to win. The duo have since discovered newfound fame, becoming firm favourites among fans, with one emotional moment seeing Kush in tears as he revealed his step-dad Matt took his own life when he was just 14.
Fans have already been stopping Jo and Kush in the street. Kush told the BBC: 'Yesterday we signed our first autographs, which I thought was so sweet.' The pair plan to split the £20,000 evenly and have their sights set on another adventure together, as well as contributing to their families. Jo said: 'We'd have to spend a little bit on ourselves. I'd probably get a nice pair of Jordan 4s for a new outfit and a nice little holiday, and stash the rest.'
Race Across The World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
