'Being in Race across the World opened our eyes'

Race Across the World contestants Fin Gough and Sioned Cray have said taking part in the programme has inspired them to take on more challenges.

The latest series of the BBC One show saw five pairs race a distance of about 8,700 miles (14,000km) between the Great Wall of China, north of Beijing, and Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.

Just under six million viewers have been tuning in per episode or catching up on iPlayer within a seven day period.

The childhood sweethearts, from Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire, said while the race was physically and mentally difficult, as "one mistake can cost you", it has also taught them important life skills.

The pair, who came third, did not reveal the result to family and friends and watched the final episode alongside them at a local pub.

"It was a nice place to see it, a nice place to give Race Across the World a send off," Fin explained.

"No-one knew where we came but I did have to tell my mum where we went though, because the Great Wall of China is a place she's always wanted to go."

The pair said the reaction has been heart-warming.

"A lot of people have been very kind, even people we meet down the street," said Sioned.

During the show each of the teams had to pass seven checkpoints in China, Nepal and India on their route to the finish line.

They were banned from travelling by air, and instead given a budget of £1,140 per person for the journey.

They were also not allowed to use their smartphones or bank cards to organise transport, food and accommodation.

According to figures from TV ratings body Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (Barb), the series was the most watched programme in the UK across all channels and streaming platforms during each week it aired, with the exception of the week the Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast.

Sioned had watched the show before and enjoyed taking part, but said it was also challenging.

"It was putting your body, your mind just everything through the mill, it was hard," she said.

"We missed a bus and we were 36 hours behind."

She added the race element to the show also added to the stress, as the thought of falling behind was constantly on her mind.

"One mistake can cost you."

However, for the couple, who have been together for five years, the experience was worth it - especially as they had both wanted to visit Nepal.

"When I opened the envelope and I saw 'you're going to Kathmandu' I thought wow incredible," Fin said. "I'd do it again!"

To help get them through the two-month trip Sioned decided to bring a part of Wales with them including a Welsh branded towel, a Wales football keyring and a charm from her mother on her bracelet.

"It was quite comforting to have something because we have zero contact with home that whole time," she said.

The pair added the time away helped give them a more rounded perspective.

"I just didn't have an idea of what I wanted to do with my life," said Sioned, who feels the show helped her grow as a person.

"I want to explore more, take time with things and just live life as best I can.

"We've come back with so many more life skills, we understand each other more, we understand people in general more and we just know the world has much more to offer.

"It's opened our eyes a lot".

The childhood sweethearts are now planning another big trip.

"It just makes us want to travel even more now," said Fin. "We went to Australia as soon as we came back which we wouldn't have done if we hadn't done Race Across the World."

Sioned added: "We've just got that itch that's just not going away to travel more now."

A reunion episode featuring this year's cast is set for June 18 on BBC One.

Applications for the next series of Race Across The World are open until 6 July.