Race Across the World’s Viv thought part of the show was ‘fixed’

What did you miss?

Race Across the World's Viv and Stephen admitted they thought part of the BBC show was "fixed" but they were proved wrong.

In the reunion episode, the Race Across the World contestants had the chance to share their favourite unseen moment that didn't make the final edit of the show. Viv shared her "wow" moment was when a stranger let the couple come and stay with her family for free when she and Stephen were "despairing" at Busan port on their way to Sokcho, South Korea.

Before taking part in the race, the married retired couple confessed they thought these moments where strangers offer their kindness – whether it's help with travel or somewhere to stay – was "fixed". However, they were delighted to find out this was not the case at all.

What, how and why?

Viv told the group: "One of my wow moments was when we were at the point of despair, I spotted this lady just watching."

Then the astonishing unseen moment from the race was shown on the reunion show where Viv and Stephen spoke to the stranger in Busan. "We have a spare bed if you want to come stay with us, we're in a family room and it's massive!" The stranger shared. In response Stephen made light of the situation, asking if she snored to which she cheekily responded: "Actually I do."

Viv told the rest of the Race Across the World contestants of the moment: "We got new energy from people being kind to us. We thought we couldn't give up."

Stephen agreed saying: "We went from depths of despair up to elation."

Mother and daughter Sharon and Brydie who were eliminated early in the race returned for the reunion episode. The mother said: "People who are helping you, what do they get out of it? Nothing. They just want to help you."

Viv didn't mind sharing she thought this previously had been "fixed" before their own experience of filming the show. She said: "We always assumed it was a bit of a "fix" previously."

"Yes, we previously did," Stephen revealed, smiling ear-to-ear.

Viv set the record straight on what actually happens. She said: "But in actual fact when it happens to you you are like 'Oh I can't believe'."

They then told the group about how the kind stranger let the couple come stay with them.

Kindness from strangers

In an interview with Yahoo, Stephen and Viv had shared the kindness of strangers was the most rewarding part of race. They were wowed by people's kindness.

Stephen said: "We regularly get asked what was the best bit? What was the best place you went to? It’s a hard one to answer but singularly the people we met every country were so nice. So supportive. Friendly. Welcoming. Just lovely."

Viv agreed: "Sometimes we didn't even have to ask for help. Sometimes they saw us. Sometimes we were crying. They would come over and offer help. It’s amazing, the help that they did offer."

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Where did Viv and Stephen come in Race Across the World?

Stephen and Viv finished the race in fourth behind Betty and James, signing their place in the book in Indonesian island Lombok. However, they weren't disappointed and were delighted to have completed the race.

In the final, the couple realised they weren't going to come first and instead relished in the last leg of the journey. There was an incredibly romantic moment where they danced in the streets.

Watch the moment where Alfie and Owen won the £20,000, just beating their nearest rivals Eugenie and Isabel after a tense speedboat race.

Watch all of Race Across the World on BBC iPlayer, available now.