As this finale began, the four teams faced one last sprint to the northernmost tip of South America. Rainford and West were in pole position, with a lead of less than two hours over the Kemps – who, crucially, had the most money left. Handy when it comes to purchasing bus tickets and hailing taxis.
Eighteen hours behind were Countryfile presenter Anita Rani and her father Bal, mere minutes ahead of baby-faced actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie. Early in this finale, the Llewellyns decided their race was run and decided to withdraw. They had little budget left and Jackie was exhausted. Self-styled “Team Tortoise” opted to bow out on their own terms. A sad plot twist but they were admirably sanguine. “I’m a better person for the experience,” said Jackie. “I feel like a new woman after nearly 60 years.”
And then there were three. Actor Rainford and DJ West found time for a dance lesson on the beach, which was apt because they fell in love on Strictly three years ago. Cracks appeared in paradise when West overslept, putting them behind schedule. “You’re such a nugget,” said Rainford with an exasperated eye-roll.
