BBC's 'Race Across the World: The Detour' Moves Forward with Fresh Hosting Plans

The BBC has announced it's moving full steam ahead with Race Across the World: The Detour, an exciting new video podcast spin-off from the hit series. While original plans had top Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills set to host the show, the network has decided to pivot and find fresh hosting talent for the project.

Produced by Studio Lambert—the creative minds behind the wildly popular show The Traitors—this spin-off promises to capture the same adventurous spirit and competitive energy that made the original series such a beloved hit. Race Across the World has consistently drawn audiences with its unique format, which strips away modern travel conveniences and challenges contestants to navigate their way across unfamiliar territories using creativity, resourcefulness, and teamwork.

The Detour iteration looks to bring a new twist to the formula, offering viewers something both familiar and refreshingly different. By branching into the video podcast space, the BBC is expanding the franchise's reach beyond traditional television audiences, tapping into the growing popularity of on-demand content consumption.

While the loss of Scott Mills might have seemed like a setback—given his prominence as a Radio 2 personality and public figure—the BBC's decision to proceed demonstrates confidence in the concept itself. The network clearly believes the format is strong enough to thrive with a new hosting voice, and they're likely exploring talent that could bring their own unique energy to the adventure.

This move also reflects broader trends in media, where established entertainment franchises are increasingly launching multiple iterations across different platforms and formats. By creating a podcast version, the BBC is diversifying how audiences can engage with the Race Across the World universe.

For fans of the original series, this represents an exciting opportunity to see how the format evolves in a new context. Whether The Detour maintains the globe-trotting scope of its predecessor or takes contestants on more localized adventures, viewers can expect the same unpredictable challenges, genuine human moments, and inspiring stories that define the franchise.

As production moves forward, all eyes will be on who steps into the hosting role and how this spin-off carves out its own identity within the Race Across the World universe.