Race Across the World pals Jo and Kush on fame, friendship and family
Race Across the World Pals Jo and Kush on Fame, Friendship and Family
Race Across the World pals Jo – In the latest season of Race Across the World, two contestants have stood out not just for their physical endurance but for their emotional depth and unshakable bond. Jo Diop and Kush Burman, a duo from Liverpool, have captured the hearts of audiences with their camaraderie and resilience as they navigate a grueling 12,000km trek across Europe and Asia. Yet, while their journey has sparked widespread admiration, the pair admits their peers aren’t as invested. “All my mates’ mums, they’re loving it more than my mates are,” Kush, 20, shared during an interview. “Half my mates, they’re like: ‘I can’t lie, I’ve still got to catch up on the past few episodes, but I’m loving it so far’.”
A Trek Without Phones or Cash
The BBC show challenges competitors to travel vast distances with minimal resources. Contestants must rely on maps, physical stamina, and quick decision-making, all while keeping their phones switched off and their finances tight. The first to finish the race earns a £20,000 prize, a sum that has become a focal point of their journey. Jo, 19, and Kush, however, are more interested in the emotional trials than the monetary reward. “We won’t reveal who wins the final leg,” Kush said, “but it’s definitely going to be a high stress, very tense episode. Expect nothing, have no expectations—this is a wild place, Mongolia.”
Jo echoed Kush’s sentiment, noting the lack of infrastructure in the region. “It really is, there’s no roads,” she added. “You might as well just not have the maps.” The pair’s ability to adapt to such conditions has been a key factor in their success. While they’ve taken breaks to unwind by playing basketball or listening to Mongolian throat singing, one episode in Kazakhstan stood out as particularly poignant. It was there that Kush found himself overwhelmed by memories of his late stepdad, Matt, who took his own life during lockdown. “I really wish I could show him who I am now,” Kush reflected, his voice trembling with emotion.
Support from the Public
Kush revealed that the emotional scene, which aired to great acclaim, was especially difficult to watch with his family nearby. “Usually when we talk about my dad, it’s in a more light-hearted context—like, ‘do you remember this?’” he explained. “But when it’s about the feelings and emotions behind it, it can be quite tough.” Despite the vulnerability, the response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. “The public’s feedback has been so heart-warming,” Kush said, “and the support I’ve received for something that was quite tough to do and very exposing has settled any nervousness I had.”
He also credited his friendship with Jo for helping him endure the moment. “Having her with me made a big difference,” Kush said. “She’s been there for every major event that’s happened.” Jo, who has always been a constant presence in Kush’s life, agreed. “We’ve both seen each other in our lowest states,” she noted. “When those times arise in the race, it’s not a surprise for us. I feel like we know from experience how to bounce back and how to counter each other’s negativity in a way.”
From Joke to Journey
Initially, Jo and Kush entered the show as a bit of a lark. After completing their A-levels, they jokingly suggested a challenge to test their limits. “We didn’t take it seriously at first,” Jo admitted. “But once we got into it, we realized how much it meant.” Their camaraderie has since become a central theme of the series, with fans rooting for their every move. Kush shared a lighthearted moment of fame: “Yesterday, we signed our first autographs, which I thought was so sweet.”
The pair’s growing recognition has been both surprising and rewarding. During a basketball game, three boys approached them with a request: “Yo, Jo and Kush, can you sign us?” Kush recounted the incident with a smile. “They were like ‘yeah’ and handed us a pen.” The interaction, while brief, underscored the impact of their journey on the public’s perception of them. “It’s been such a big influx of messages and comments,” Kush said, “but if I could say thank you to everyone, then this is my thank-you.”
Plans for the Future
Despite their newfound fame, Jo and Kush remain grounded in their values. They plan to split the £20,000 prize money equally if they win, with a portion allocated to personal goals. “We’d have to spend a little bit on ourselves,” Jo said. “I’d probably get a nice pair of Jordan 4s for a new outfit and a nice little holiday, and stash the rest.” However, their family ties are equally important. Kush mentioned his intention to “contribute to a future house for my mum at some point,” a gesture that reflects his deep connection to his roots.
Jo and Kush also highlighted how their shared experiences have shaped their perspective on life. “There’s no rush, don’t do anything for anyone else,” Kush advised. “If you want to go travelling, do it. If you don’t, that’s also fine. Just make sure you’re not just doing things for the sake of it and you actually enjoy what you’re doing.” Their philosophy mirrors the show’s ethos, blending adventure with introspection.
As the finale approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the final leg of the race. The episode promises to be a test of both physical and emotional endurance, with Jo and Kush ready to face whatever comes next. “It’s going to be a wild ride,” Kush said, his tone both serious and playful. “But I love it so much.” For Jo and Kush, the journey has been more than just a competition—it’s been a chance to grow closer, reflect on personal struggles, and share their story with the world. Whether they finish first or not, their bond and authenticity have already made a lasting impression on viewers.
The Race Across the World finale will air on BBC One at 20:00 BST on Thursday 21 May, with the episode also available on iPlayer. For those seeking more from the duo, Newsbeat offers live coverage at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays, or listeners can catch up on the latest updates here.