BBC scrambles to replace Scott Mills on ‘Race Across the World’ spin off
The BBC has quickly found a replacement host for its upcoming Race Across the World companion vodcast after the sudden departure of radio presenter Scott Mills. The broadcaster confirmed that television presenter and DJ Tyler West will now lead the spin off show Race Across the World: The Detour, which launched alongside the latest season of the popular travel competition.
The vodcast was originally set to be hosted by Mills but the BBC terminated his contracts just days before the programme’s debut. The broadcaster has been facing growing scrutiny after confirming that Mills had previously been questioned by police in connection with allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy. Authorities investigated the case between 2017 and 2019, but prosecutors ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges.
Despite the controversy, the BBC chose to continue with the spin off programme linked to the hit series Race Across the World. The companion show, titled The Detour, serves as a discussion and analysis programme similar in format to The Traitors: Uncloaked. It features guests, former contestants and commentators reflecting on the events of the main competition series.
West was a natural choice for the role after appearing in the celebrity edition of the travel competition. He competed in the 2024 season of Celebrity Race Across the World alongside singer and actress Molly Rainford. Their appearance helped introduce him to audiences of the franchise, making him a familiar face for viewers of the new companion format.
During the launch episode of The Detour, West is set to welcome several guests connected to the show. Actor Kola Bokinni will appear on the programme, while Rainford is also scheduled to join the discussion. In addition, previous series winner Alfie Watts will share travel strategies and practical tips with viewers interested in the show’s signature challenge of crossing regions on a strict budget.
The main competition format of Race Across the World has become one of the BBC’s most successful reality entertainment programmes. The series follows pairs of contestants as they attempt to travel across large distances using ground transportation while operating on a limited budget and avoiding air travel. Contestants must navigate unfamiliar environments, manage their resources and rely on local transport options to reach each checkpoint.
The BBC first announced the Detour vodcast as part of a wider slate of digital companion programmes designed to deepen viewer engagement with its flagship entertainment shows. By offering behind the scenes discussion and commentary, the broadcaster aims to extend the reach of its programming across streaming and podcast platforms.