
Race Across the World's Welsh star Sioned says she 'had no idea' following final
After travelling through China and Nepal, all four teams were hoping to reach the final checkpoint in the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, first and claim a cash prize of £20,000
Race Across the World's Welsh couple Fin and Sioned saw their fair share of challenges on the journey but have remained strong
(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert )
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Race Across the World. Race Across the World's Welsh star, Sioned Cray, shared a heartfelt post on social media following the fifth series' final episode.
Sioned, who competed with her boyfriend Fin Gough, were the youngest contestants to take part in the BBC travel programme. On Instagram, Sioned said she "had no idea" how much a challenge the race would be, but described it as an "amazing opportunity". The couple came third in the race, with mother and son duo Caroline and Tom coming in first place, sisters Elizabeth and Letitia in second and brothers Brian and Melvyn in fourth place.
After travelling through China and Nepal, all four teams were hoping to reach the final checkpoint in the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari, first and claim a cash prize of £20,000. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter .
The teams travelled through seven checkpoints before reaching the final one, without phones, flights or bank cards and only a tight budget of £1,140 per person, a map, public transport and each other to depend on.
Welsh couple Fin and Sioned had seen their fair share of challenges along the way, including homesickness and catching up with the other teams when they were hours behind.
In an Instagram post following the final episode, which was aired on Wednesday evening (June 11), Sioned shared her thoughts on the journey she had embarked on in the programme.
Article continues below
Content cannot be displayed without consent
With a collection of photos from their travels, she wrote: "From the moment we set off, Fin and I had no idea just how much this race would challenge us, change us and bring us closer together.
"We've crossed countries, faced setbacks, ran for buses (too many times), and soaked in moments I'll never forget.
"From the laughs to the tears, every mile has meant something.
"This was THE most amazing opportunity I've ever had and to be honest I don't think I can ever top it!
"We've literally been able to see parts of the world I never dreamed I'd visit! What a wild, emotional, unforgettable ride.
"We've experienced so many new things and we met so many amazing people of different cultures and backgrounds.
"It was such a valuable experience and I cannot express how grateful I actually am to have been able to be a part of it!"
She continued: "But what really stayed with me were the strangers who became lifelines, the people who helped us without hesitation, offered directions, a meal, or just any information when we needed it most.
"I've made some lifelong friends in the team and cast, as well as learned so much more about myself and what I can accomplish.
"On top of that I now know that any ups and downs me and Fin will face we can obviously overcome it because we completed Race Across the World together successfully (with a few bickers)!!"
She concluded with: "I cannot recommend travelling this way more to anyone!
Someone had left a supportive sign for Sioned and Fin ahead of the final episode of Race Across the World
(Image: Sioned Cray / Instagram )
"I get that not everyone will be lucky enough to have this opportunity but if this journey has taught us anything it's that you can seriously do anything as long as you put your mind to it.
"Super excited to see what our next journey will hold for us. Thank you to all the team at Studio Lambert and Race Across the World for believing in us and allowing to be authentically ourselves.
"Thank you to you guys for all the support and I hope you stick around to see what more we'll get up to...".
On her Instagram story, the star shared a photo from her home village of Nantgaredig in Carmarthenshire, in which someone had left a sign with a red dragon and the globe with the words 'Big up Sioned + Fin #RATW'.
In response, Sioned captioned the photo with: "I love my small village in Wales!'.
Article continues below

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Rock legend sparks health concerns from fans who claim 'Ozzy Osbourne sounded better' days before death
Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil sparked health concerns from fans with his stiff solo performance with a backing band at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY on August 3. The 64-year-old glam metal rocker was singing his 1987 hit Girls, Girls, Girls with a faraway expression in his eyes, which continuously darted down to read the lyrics off a teleprompter. 'Great to be back on stage rocking out the last three nights with my brothers Stephen Pearcy "Ratt" and @bretmichaelsofficial!' Vince - who boasts 2.2M social media followers - wrote on August 4. 'Thanks to all the fans that made it out. I hope to see you in Vegas this fall!' However, concertgoer Tara Adams uploaded the now viral footage to Instagram where user @70brand commented: 'He even looks like he doesn't want to be there.' Instagram user @b_r_i_a_n_7_6 scoffed: 'He's making Corey Feldman look good.' Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil sparked health concerns from fans with his stiff solo performance with a backing band at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY on August 3 'My god,' Instagram user @ marveled. 'He's reading the words from the stage.' Even L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns agreed: 'My heart breaks for him on so many levels.' YouTube channel NY Gig Trippers uploaded the entire 38-minute concert, and user @kerryhudson53 commented: 'I believe the guy had a stroke. Seriously. That was his health concern. 'His mouth moves different; he can barely hang on to the mic stand.' 'Vince is not well. Heard it could have been a stroke possibly,' YouTube user @SouthsideGreek wrote. 'I know his singing hasn't been great over the years, but this isn't about his singing anymore. He needs to rest and get healthy for the long term. Sad to see him like this.' YouTube user @patrickr.452 commented: 'Wow... his timing and pitch are not even in the ballpark. Very sad.' 'This is sad, out of being concerned for Vince. No need to kick somebody when they're down. This is not good,' YouTube user @shawnstarks1743 wrote. The 64-year-old glam metal rocker was singing his 1987 hit Girls, Girls, Girls with a faraway expression in his eyes, which continuously darted down to read the lyrics off a teleprompter 'Vince is not well. Heard it could have been a stroke possibly,' YouTube user @SouthsideGreek wrote. 'I know his singing hasn't been great over the years, but this isn't about his singing anymore. He needs to rest and get healthy for the long term. Sad to see him like this.' 'Jesus Christ, Ozzy sounded better than this two weeks before he died,' YouTube user @thefilmlodge blasted. 'This is embarrassing' YouTube user @jasonscott5101 commented: 'Damn! This band needs a singer.' 'Jesus Christ, Ozzy sounded better than this two weeks before he died,' YouTube user @thefilmlodge blasted. 'This is embarrassing.' Ironically, Mötley Crüe was unable to attend the late Ozzy Osbourne's final concert in England on July 5 because as bassist Nikki Sixx tweeted on July 10: 'We have been having health issues within the band…' Neil (last name Wharton) performed for the first time in nearly a year on August 1 at MGM Music Hall in Boston where he thanked fans for their patience. 'I had a medical thing that happened to me, and they said I wouldn't be back on stage again,' the three-time Grammy nominee revealed onstage. 'I said, "F*** that, man!" And I'm back and I'm with you guys tonight. And I'm really proud to be here, man. Thank you so much.' Vince took another blow last May when he ended his nearly 15-year relationship with girlfriend Rain Hannah 'because one of his assistants alleged she was cheating on him' - according to TMZ. Ironically, Mötley Crüe was unable to attend the late Ozzy Osbourne's final concert in England on July 5 because as bassist Nikki Sixx tweeted on July 10: 'We have been having health issues within the band…' Mötley Crüe kick off their postponed 10-date Las Vegas residency on September 12 at Dolby Live at Park MGM after having to reschedule due to Neil's recovery. The band's current lineup also includes bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, and guitarist John 5 - who replaced founding member Mick Mars in 2022. The 74-year-old bass player - who retired due to ongoing health issues - is now suing his bandmates for unpaid royalties. Mötley Crüe - which averages 11.5M monthly listeners on Spotify - was founded in 1981, and they've sold over 100M records worldwide including nine Top 10 albums on the US Billboard 200 chart. The Dogs of War singer went solo from 1992-1997 and released three studio albums.


Wales Online
27 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world The Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales continues to wow passengers with its 'incredible views' and the service provided by staff and volunteers All aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A stunning Welsh railway journey has been named among the world's best tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has just received global recognition by being officially been named in the top 10% of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. The awards are based entirely on reviews and ratings submitted by visitors on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. The journey itself starts at Aberystwyth and takes you deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, reaching its destination at one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the whole of Wales, Devil's Bridge, which is actually three bridges, built on top of each other, standing high above the rushing Mynach and Rheidol streams. The railway itself has been operating for 123 years having first opened in 1902 when it was built to serve local communities and to transport goods including lead and timber. However, today it has forged a reputation as one of the most scenic railway journeys anywhere for people of all ages to enjoy, as we at Wales Online found out last year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Some of the views are simply breathtaking (Image: Media Wales) The line itself only measures around 12 miles and it takes roughly an hour to reach Devil's Bridge, where you can enjoy a snack or a nice meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which has a seating area overlooking the majestic valley below. You can then enjoy two walks: a short walk underneath the bridges which provides an opportunity to get up-close to the rushing water, and a longer and more difficult stroll deep down into the Rheidol gorge where you can enjoy views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls. Article continues below The Travellers' Choice Awards are based on verified feedback and only a select number of experiences earn such recognition each year. Your destination at Devil's Bridge (Image: Media Wales) 'Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most,' said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. 'Whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them.' The Vale of Rheidol Railway has an incredibly high rating on Tripadvisor - 4.6 out of five based on almost 1,400 reviews. One passenger said he was 'absolutely amazed at how good it is', while another said it was a 'lovely experience with incredible views'. The railway also offers Polar Express rides in the build up to Christmas (Image: Angharad Bache) Article continues below One recent reviewer wrote: 'Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see - even the chimney on the engine was gleaming.' Another wrote: 'A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil'ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil's Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you're in Aberystwyth.'


Wales Online
27 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing pro showered in support after sweet relationship update ‘Feels like home'
Strictly Come Dancing pro showered in support after sweet relationship update 'Feels like home' Professional dancer Julian Caillon has travelled from Australia to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up New Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Julian Caillon has been showered in support from fans after sharing a sweet relationship update. The former Dancing With The Stars pro is joining the likes of Amy Dowden, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Dianne Buswell on the beloved BBC competition this year. The 29-year-old from Sydney, Australia, has been added to the line-up alongside fellow newcomer Alexis Warr, after Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were axed amid an investigation into Strictly in recent years. Ahead of his debut, Julian said it was 'a dream come true', adding: 'I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it.' Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr are joining the line-up (Image: BBC/PA) Strictly Come Dancing pro flooded with support as she pulls out of rehearsals READ MORE: The choreographer and exercise physiologist has been keeping fans updated after moving to London from across the world in July in vlogs on social media. Article continues below In his most recent update, Julian shared the news that his fiancée Sofia, to whom he proposed in December last year, has finally joined him. He said: 'I'm three weeks into life in London and this week it started to feel more like home.' Julian has been updating followers with his life in London (Image: Julian Caillon Instagram) As he shared clips of the pros training together, the dancer revealed they'd recorded their first routine and his new career move had finally 'hit' him. He then documented moments with Sofia, saying: 'My fiancée also arrived from Australia and as soon as she arrived I just felt calmer and London started feeling more like home. 'It just goes to show that home can be anywhere in the world as long as you have your person with you.' Julian's fiancée Sofia has arrived to be with him (Image: Instagram) He captioned the vlog: 'Better late than never. Another big and incredible week. Recorded my first routine with this amazing cast, and it was really the moment it hit that this is happening! 'I've got my @sofiaoa_ back and now everything feels a little more like home. 'Glad we could carry on the Gold Coast ritual of getting dropped every Sunday. Let's see what the next episode will bring.' Strictly pro Jowita Pryzstal was among Julian's followers sharing their support, while one fan said: 'Sooo happy your enjoying the UK life. I'm honestly so excited to see your talent on the dancefloor very soon.' Julian was showered in support after sharing the sweet relationship update (Image: Julian Caillon Instagram) Another said: 'So glad you're enjoying life in the UK! We cannot wait to see you on Strictly in a few weeks.' Last month, Julian shared a sweet tribute to his partner of three years, marking their anniversary and resharing their engagement. "Love you so much and can't wait to have you back with me. Happy Anniversary @sofiaaa_,' he said. "3 years down an eternity to go." Article continues below Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September.