Celebrity Race Across The World 2023 has been postponed owing to the tragic earthquake in Morocco, which has killed hundreds.
The BBC confirmed in a statement that the new season’s debut, which was slated to begin on Wednesday September 13, will no longer take place this week.
‘In light of the earthquake in Morocco we have taken the decision to postpone the first episode of Celebrity Race Across the World which was filmed in Marrakesh,’ they said.
‘We’ll update on new schedule details shortly.’
The earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday was labelled as the worst in the region in 120 years.
According to official television, the dead toll has grown to 2,681 people, with 2,501 people wounded.
Prof Bill McGuire, Professor Emeritus of Geophysical & Climate Hazards at UCL, said: ‘Morocco is not the first place that comes to mind when people think of earthquakes, but they do happen.
‘This one, however, is especially large for the region – the biggest in more than 120 years – and, as the climbing death toll indicates, deadly.
‘The problem is that where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough to cope with strong ground shaking, so many collapse resulting in high casualties.
The BBC has announced that in light of the earthquake in Morocco, the first episode of Celebrity Race Across the World will be postponed. pic.twitter.com/YejynbbQ1C
— Race Across The World (@RATW_official) September 11, 2023
We of course started off our journey in Marrakesh – it’s a beautiful city and we were so warmly welcomed by everyone during filming. Our hearts go out to the people of the country, and our thoughts are with them.
— Race Across The World (@RATW_official) September 11, 2023
‘I would expect the final death toll to climb into the thousands once more is known. As with any big quake, aftershocks are likely, which will lead to further casualties and hinder search and rescue.’
Celebrities in the latest season of Celebrity Race Across The World include Good Morning Britain weatherman Alex Beresford and his father Noel, as well as racing driver Billy Monger and his sister Bonny.
McFly drummer Harry Judd is there with his mother Emma, while vocalist Melanie Blatt is there with her mother Helene.
The show’s stars began their voyage in Marrakesh before journeying through 24 countries and 10,000 km to Troms, Norway.
Speaking about the challenges of taking part, GMB’s Alex said: ‘This trip is about sacrifices; you have to sacrifice at every stage to make your money last.
‘You have to really think about your choices and, also, there will be some gambles, so I’m worried about the gambles that we take – will they be the right gambles? Will they be the wrong gambles?’
McFly’s Harry added: ‘It feels like a totally unique opportunity, particularly at our age and our stages of life. I’ve got three young children, so you can imagine me trying to pitch to my wife that I’m going off travelling for a month!
‘I never travelled when I was younger, I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking, and I always wanted to, and I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.’
Celebrity Race Across The World is due to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Source My Celebrity Life.
