Ages: Betty is 25, James is 21
From: Yorkshire
Relationship: Sister and brother
Jobs: Betty is an events manager for a gym, James is a sales consultant
Social Media: Follow James on Instagram @JamesMukherjee1
Why Race Across The World?
Betty: "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. I think it was kind of my idea, I got the application thing going and James got dragged along for the journey."
James: "You said a few times, there's other people you should've taken but they're not here or couldn't do it!"
Do you have a strategy?
James: "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: "Absolutely not. I think 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, I suppose. 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'. So, we'll be keeping that in mind in the race, definitely."
What creature comfort have you brought with you?
Betty: "We both got given a gift from our Mum and Dad which is quite nice. James got given a St Christopher bracelet because St. Christopher is the saint of travel and I got a little hug ring and my Mum's got a matching one."
What will your biggest challenges be on the race?
James: "Lack of food and early mornings."
Betty: "The lack of sleep. I also think the language barrier is going to be huge. We talked about this today, didn't we? I think wherever I've been even if it's just a week holiday, if you learn to say even "hello" or "thank you" in their language they're so appreciative of that, and I think then they're more receptive to helping so I think even maybe learning a word or two would be good."
James: "It's boredom, isn't it? Our own company and each other's company is going to be challenging."
Race Across The World continues Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One.
Neil Wilkes
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