Race Across the World’s Jo Gardiner dies a year after her son Sam’s death

Race Across The World star Jo Gardiner has died aged 61 following a cancer diagnosis, one year after her son and co-star Sam lost his life in a car crash.

The duo appeared together on the second season of the BBC reality TV show in 2020, travelling across South America from Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina.

Jo's family said in a statement on Monday (24 August) that the Manchester physiotherapist died 'following a long and courageous battle with cancer'.

They wrote that she was 'an intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving' and 'she lived fully, fiercely and never did anything by halves'.

Their tribute read: "She was blessed with countless friends, drawn to her extraordinary magnetism. Somehow, each one felt as though they were among her very best.

"To us, she was more than all of these things. She was our family, our joy, our safe place, and our absolute treasure."

Jo Gardiner has died aged 61, her family have confirmed in a statement (BBC)

The family statement continued: "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."

It tragically comes just over a year after Jo's son Sam, with whom she appeared on the popular TV show, died aged 24 in a single vehicle collision.

In June 2025, he had been driving on the A34 near Manchester when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police said at the time.

He was the only person in the vehicle and was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Jo and Sam's father Andrew said in a statement at the time: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident.

"Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective."

They added that taking part in Race Across The World 'opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel'.

It comes a year after Jo's son Sam, whom she starred on the BBC show with, died in a car crash (Instagram/@‌sam_gardiner_)

The statement continued: "He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead, and he touched everyone he met on the road.

"Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts.

"He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts.

"We will miss him endlessly, but we'll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade."

While filming the BBC show together, Sam said: "Mum and I are very close - we often think or say the same things.

"She has travelled a lot in her life, so I think it would be fun to do it with her."

Jo is survived by her other son Charlie.

The BBC has also issued a statement following the sad news (BBC)

A statement on the official Race Across the World Instagram account read: "On behalf of the Studio Lambert production team, the BBC and the whole Race Across the World cast, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Jo’s son Charlie, and her wider family and friends.

"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.

"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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.