NewsBeat
Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner dies aged 61
Ms Gardiner, a physiotherapist from Manchester, appeared with Sam in the second series of the BBC series in 2020.
The pair travelled from Mexico City to Ushuaia, Argentina, competing against four other teams.
The pair joined the show to share an adventure, particularly because Sam had ADHD.
Sam died in June 2025 after his white Volkswagen Golf R estate came off the road and rolled before landing on its side.
He had been working on an isolated estate on the west coast of Scotland and was home in Manchester for a family gathering.
Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner dies aged 61
Now, a year later, Ms Gardiner has died at the age of 61 “following a long and courageous battle with cancer”.
In a statement, Ms Gardiner’s family said: “She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel more alive.
“She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves.
“She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism.
“Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.
“To us, she was more than all of these things.
“She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure.”
Jo Gardiner died “following a long and courageous battle with cancer”. (Image: Studio Lambert/BBC/PA Wire)
Described as “an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving,” Ms Gardiner is survived by her son Charlie.
Her family continued: “We know how deeply Jo was loved, and we take comfort in knowing that her laughter, her courage, her kindness and her wonderfully outrageous spirit will live on in the many people whose lives she touched.”
They added: “As we grieve, we ask for privacy, but we also ask everyone who knew and loved Jo to do exactly what she would have wanted: tell the funny stories, raise a glass, have an adventure, laugh loudly and live life to the full.
“She was one of a kind.
“There will never be another her.”
Race Across the World pays tribute to Jo Gardiner following her death
Following news of Ms Gardiner’s death, Race Across the World issued a statement paying tribute to the former contestant.
— Race Across The World (@RATW_official) August 24, 2026
A spokesperson for the programme said: “On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across The World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends.
“Millions of people remembered their transformative journey across Latin America in 2020 and we hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo’s passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family.”
“At the time of filming, Sam described his mum as amazing – and that is how we will always remember her.”
T”Jo became the matriarch of the Race Across The World cast family, she leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she touched, both through the series and beyond.
“It was a privilege to share her story and she will be deeply missed.”
Ms Gardiner lived with type 1 diabetes and was an ambassador for Diabetes UK.
Her family has set up a JustGiving page in her name, with all donations going to support the charity.
What was your favourite Jo and Sam moment from series two of Race Across the World? Let us know in the comments below.
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