Race Across the World stars Yin and Gaz initially confused viewers when they took on the BBC challenge together despite being divorced – and now they’ve opened up about their split
Race Across the World contestant Gaz has opened up about the breakdown of his marriage to ex-wife and teammate Yin, revealing that a drinking problem contributed to the end of their relationship. The former couple, both 54, were married for nearly 40 years and have a daughter together. They also ran a Chinese takeaway business before divorcing three years ago.
Despite their split, they remain close friends and are currently competing as a pair on the BBC reality series, which sees contestants travel across Asia without the use of flights or smartphones. In tonight’s episode (April 30), Gaz spoke candidly about the reasons behind their separation.
He admitted that he had become complacent in the relationship and blamed himself for it falling apart. He also revealed that he turned to alcohol as they were splitting up, saying he would “drink myself into a stupor” instead of talking about what he was going through.
Gaz shared: “I didn’t cope with the breakdown of the relationship at all well. It was hard. What do you do? Let’s go down the pub and have six pints of Guinness and forget about it.”
He went on to explain that although their marriage was ending at the time, Yin supported him through his emotional struggles. Gaz added: “While I was going through my demons and people were giving up on me, she never did. She could see what I was doing was not right.”
Now the reality star is in a better place, and sees coming on the show as an opportunity to show Yin how much he appreciates the support she gave him when he was struggling.
Yin and Gaz made headlines earlier this month when it was announced they would be taking part in the show as the first formerly married couple to compete together.
Their decision to sign up came after Yin lost her partner Chris, who died 18 months before filming began. While grieving she moved back in with Gaz, and later invited him to join her on the programme.
He shared: “By doing the race, I want to repay her. She was there for me through the dark times. I’ve let her down too many times in the past. I don’t want to do it again.”
The divorcees are still extremely close despite their split, although they are aware this might be hard for some people to understand. Gaz previously elaborated on what it feels like to take on such a big project with an ex, saying: “I wouldn’t probably do this with anyone other than Yin. I know that sounds weird, because we’re not together, we’re not husband and wife, but we’re still best mates. And I think even now, could I do this with my brother? No. Could I do this with any other mates? No. And Yin was pretty much the same.”
Yin admitted that going on Race Across the World was her idea, saying: “I think it came from me. I saw the advert, and in that moment thought, you know what? I really want to do that. The last year has been quite a personal journey for me.”
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