Race Across the World's James and Betty on their strategy

Betty, a 25-year-old social media and events manager for a gym in Silsden, and James, a 21-year-old sales consultant from Gargrave, appear on the BBC’s popular TV series, Race Across the World.

Barely in touch as adults, the sister and brother hope to share the experience of a lifetime.

Betty said: “It’s a TV programme that we watch as a family, and I think during series one and two we were sat there like, ‘We could definitely do this’.

"It got to the last week we could apply, and we thought, ‘Let's just go for it.’ We did the audition video very on a whim and filled out the form and here we are.”

Betty and James in Japan (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert/Pete Dadds)

The duo have been preparing for their big adventure by fasting, eating less, and waking up earlier in the morning.

Speaking about whether he had a strategy for the race, James said: “No. I think it’s probably for the best as I thought it would be better to keep a clear head.

"It's so unknown there’s no point really trying to make a fixed plan because it could change in an instant.

"So, we’ll try to keep it logical: when it gets to it, don’t do anything rash, do everything with measure but, we also have no set plan.”

Betty added: “Part of our strategy is just being nice to people, speaking to locals and using the fact that we are approachable and can speak to people as a sort of tool.

"But in terms of a set plan, no. Also, coming from Yorkshire, naturally our motto is ‘it’ll be reet’. Our nanna has a motto she says for everything and especially if there are any challenges in the family she always says ‘onwards and upwards’ no matter what it is.

"It could be something that we think is the worst thing ever and she’ll just go ‘onwards and upwards’.”

Cast of Race Across the World for the 2024 series (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert/Pete Dadds)

Betty has done more backpacking than her brother - having ventured around Central America and worked in a Mexican hostel. 

She has also travelled to India with her dad and grandad.

Both have enjoyed family holidays together.

The siblings have another brother, Matt, who lives in Canada. 

The family has a background in sports. 

Growing up, Betty switched between playing rugby for Yorkshire and ballroom and Latin dance.

“I kind of had to pick one because they didn’t go together,” Betty said.

“I picked dancing.”

Asked whether they’re competitive and hope to win the race, James said: “I am. Betty doesn’t like to admit it, she doesn’t want to say it or come across too cocky or arrogant but I think we’ve got a good chance.

"Everyone's got an equal chance at the beginning, don’t they? But especially once we get going and settle into the first week and figure out how it’s going to work, I think we could definitely put up a fight. We’re both very competitive.”