After tirelessly journeying throughout Europe, Celebrity Race throughout the World spectators implored Harry Judd to give his mother Emma a “break.”
The McFly drummer, 37, and Emma, 63, along with other celebrities such as Alex Beresford and Billy Monger, are attempting to travel across the continent in the shortest amount of time possible while using no internet and a limited budget.
On Wednesday’s programme, however, BBC viewers urged Harry to ease down when he went from a 19-hour bus ride to a duty mopping a superyacht without a break, with Emma admitting she was’struggling.’
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer remarked: ‘Harry, come on. Give your mother a break!!’
Their thoughts were echoed by a fellow social media user who added: ‘Effing hell Harry let your mum have a rest #celebrityraceacrosstheworld
A third commented: ‘Feel sorry for Harry’s mum, she’s being pushed beyond her comfort zone. Being first is really not that big a deal, Harry, it’s about sharing time with your travelling companion.’
However, many others were full of praise for Harry and Emma’s tight relationship, with one writing: I love Harry and his Mum’s relationship. The way that they discuss their difficulties/things that are irritating them with/about each other is SO respectful.’
Harry and Emma’s voyage from hell began with a nearly 24 hour night bus ride, complete with ‘gobbing,’ loud music and the odours of garlic sausage and fags.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get much worse, the bus blew a tyre, forcing the mother and son duo to sleep out in a gas station until it was repaired.
Most people would want to relax after such adventure, but Harry was eager to go to the checkpoint, which was more than 300 km away in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Emma revealed in a confessional: ‘I’m tired today. I’m pushing myself and I’m struggling a bit. I’ve got to stand up for myself a bit more and say, “No I’m not doing this.” Just be more assertive perhaps?’
True to her promise, Emma addressed Harry and advised they stay in a hostel for the night instead of attempting to find a way to Bosnia.
Reluctantly, Harry consented but reminded his mother that they would need to find work to replace the money they would be spending on housing, and he began to worry that their ‘lead had been damaged.’
Their next destination is a boat, but not to unwind. Instead, they’ll be scrubbing the boat’s floors with the last of their energy.
Emma finally put her foot down, saying she was too weary to continue with the thorough cleaning and taking a sleep on a sofa.
Harry, come on 😵💫Give your mother a break!! #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld
— Lady Eleanor ☮️💙 🌱 🎶 United by Music 🎶 (@MansfieldHerbal) October 11, 2023
Effing hell Harry let your mum have a rest #celebrityraceacrosstheworld
— googlyeyecat 🐈 (@googlyeyecat) October 11, 2023
Listen to your mum @mcflyharry. Always good to be bit early, less stress #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld
— Rachel Conn (@missrachelconn) October 11, 2023
Finally Harry has seen a bit of sense. #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld
— BurySue (@BurySue) October 11, 2023
#CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld Feel sorry for Harry’s mum, she’s being pushed beyond her comfort zone. Being first is really not that big a deal, Harry, it’s about sharing time with your travelling companion.
— mrs banana (@madamelebun) October 11, 2023
Harry tis a bit too obsessed with coming first when no one is getting eliminated, and the postions can change at the drop of a hat.
You've only got to come first on the last leg.#CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld
— Shanghai Hannah (@ShanghaiHannah) October 11, 2023
I love Harry and his Mum’s relationship ❤️ the way that they discuss their difficulties/things that are irritating them with/about each other is SO respectful 🥺❤️ #RaceAcrossTheWorld #CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld
— Francesca 🌙✨ (@francescajayne_) October 11, 2023
#CelebrityRaceAcrossTheWorld #RaceAcrossTheWorld Harry and Emma are so lovely together
— 🌸🌺travelprincess99🌺🌸 🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@rjc99999) October 11, 2023
Harry said: ‘I worried I pushed Mum too hard: she’s slowly deteriorating. But I’m happy to finish it off.’
As they later edge close to Sarajevo, Emma said she was looking forward to ‘rest’, while Harry remarked he was ‘not looking forward to being last.’
‘It doesn’t matter does it Harry?’ she quipped back.
To everyone’s relief, Emma and Harry arrived at the checkpoint first, with the singer understanding his folly and promising to focus on the experience rather than the win.
‘I should take a leaf out of Mum’s book,’ he remarked.
Celebrity Race Across the World continues on Wednesday on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm.
