Race Across the World’s Jo Gardiner, 61, dies one year after co-star son’s death

| Live News reporter Published August 24, 2026 10:28am Updated August 24, 2026 10:39am Jo Gardiner and her son Sam appeared on Race Across The World together (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert) Race Across the World star Jo Gardiner has died aged 61 just one year after her son and co-star Sam was killed in a car crash. The mother-and-son duo appeared on the BBC travel show’s second series in 2020, racing across South America from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina. Jo died following a ‘long and courageous battle with cancer’, her family said in a statement. ‘She lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves,’ they said. ‘She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.’ The family added: ‘To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place and our absolute treasure. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jo and Sam raced across South America from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert) ‘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.’ Sam, who appeared alongside his mum on Race Across the World, died aged 24 after losing control of his car. Jo had chosen to take part in the BBC show because she wanted to experience an adventure with Sam, who had ADHD. The pair were among five teams competing in the series, which saw contestants travel thousands of miles without flying. A spokesperson for Race Across the World said in a statement: ‘We offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends. Jo died following a ‘long and courageous battle with cancer’ (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert) ‘Following the tragic death of Jo’s son Sam last year, we paid tribute to how integral Sam and Jo had been to series two. 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. Deals of the Day Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer Amazon has slashed the price of Cetaphil's bestselling sensitive skin products Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes ‘At the time of filming, Sam described his mum as amazing – and that is how we will always remember her. 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.’ Arrow MORE: Joe Marler reveals cute reason he is transforming into first ever celebrity Gladiator Arrow MORE: Giovanni Pernice claims Strictly partner Amanda Abbington ‘did Nazi salute as banter’ Arrow MORE: Gordon Ramsay’s new show halted after star ‘walks out’ TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.