BBC postpones Celebrity Race Across The World launch last minute after tragic Morocco earthquake

The BBC has pulled the launch of Celebrity Race Across The World from schedules days before it was set to air.

The new series was due to debut on BBC One 9pm on Wednesday September 13 but was postponed in light of the deadly earthquake in Morocco.

The tragic earthquake struck south of Marrakesh on Friday night, killing nearly 2,500 people and leaving many more injured.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake is Morocco’s biggest in over 120 years and has devastated the country.

The premiere of Celebrity Race Across The World sees the stars begin their journey in Marrakesh.

The new series was due to debut on BBC One 9pm on Wednesday September 13 but was postponed in light of the deadly earthquake in Morocco.

They then will make the journey across 24 countries and 10,000 km to get to Tromsø in Norway.

A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: ‘In light of the earthquake in Morocco we have taken the decision to postpone the first episode of Celebrity Race Across the World, which was filmed in Marrakesh. We’ll update on new schedule details shortly.’

The series stars celebrities and their loved ones, including Alex Beresford and his dad Noel and Harry Judd with his mum Emma.

Also taking part are Billy Monger and his sister Bonny and Melanie Blatt with her mum Helene.

Speaking about the challenges of taking part, Alex said: ‘This trip is about sacrifices; you have to sacrifice at every stage to make your money last.

‘You have to really think about your choices and, also, there will be some gambles, so I’m worried about the gambles that we take – will they be the right gambles? Will they be the wrong gambles?’

Harry added: ‘It feels like a totally unique opportunity, particularly at our age and our stages of life. 

‘I’ve got three young children, so you can imagine me trying to pitch to my wife that I’m going off travelling for a month!

‘I never travelled when I was younger, I travelled with the band, but I never properly did backpacking, and I always wanted to, and I think the same applies for my mum, she always wanted to but started a family when she was 22.’

Journey: The premiere of Celebrity Race Across The World sees the stars begin their journey in Marrakesh before making the journey across 24 countries and 10,000 km to get to Tromsø in Norway

Star-studded: The series stars celebrities and their loved ones, including Alex Beresford and his dad Noel (pictured)