Race Across The World stars Betty and James reflected on their time on the BBC show and their conversation which has been dubbed the ‘most moving TV moment of the year’

Race Across The World stars Betty and James have opened up on their heartbreaking moment from the show that left viewers in tears.

The brother and sister duo came third on the BBC race through Eastern Asia. They competed against four other pairs on the epic race through countries without planes, smartphones and credit cards in the hopes of winning £20,000. Despite not taking home the cash prize, Betty and James wowed fans with their bond that grew over the series.

They admitted to not being close with each other before taking part in the show. While on the race, 25-year-old Betty heartbreakingly shared her health battle as she does not have a uterus, womb and only one kidney. She was diagnosed with MRKH at the age of 16, which is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system.

Race Across The World contestant James asked the cameraman for a hug(Image: BBC)

Betty decided to open up on the fact she cannot have children to James. After their chat, he broke down while talking to the camera and begged the cameraman for a hug. They both appeared on Loose Women, where they opened up on the moment. Betty said: “Everything that you see on screen is exactly how that conversation would have gone because the producers said ‘we are not producing this, just have this conversation naturally’.

“We just sat and chatted. When I got diagnosed, James was 11. I was born without a uterus and I have one kidney. Your little brother doesn’t need to know about that when he is little. It was just a conversation that didn’t come up at home. It was a difficult conversation to have.” She then broke down and told the panel: “I feel like the first time I am free, I finally belong where ever I am.”

James shared his thoughts on the emotional moment as he said: “We saw that on the show, everything was raw and natural. That was just how I felt at the time, that raw emotion just came out. Kudos from our cameraman who was there to step in and give me a hug when I really needed it.”

Betty broke down as she recalled their conversation (Image: ITV)

He added: “My motto was everything happens for a reason, Betty for obvious reasons can’t see that. That conversation it opened doors to understand each other as adults.” Their mum was sat in the Loose Women audience and explained: “It was very hard, it still makes me hard even now just seeing the way they were both able to open up about their emotions when in society we don’t do that. It just makes me really proud of them.”

Viewers were touched by the moment on Race Across The World as one said: “Omg Betty and James each week make me love them even more, as if I was their parent. Bizarre to say I know. They are fun, the loveliest, kindest, strongest siblings. Emotionally there for each other… I hope they win this.”

Another added: “This will be the most moving TV moment of the year I feel.” Someone else commented: “How brave of Betty to tell everyone about her health. Oh and James asking the cameraman for a hug.” A fourth wrote: “Can someone just come and hug me please [crying emojis] James and Betty are my winners.”