Race Across the World Stars Margo and Mark Shine at NTAs, Honouring a Late Sister's Wish

LIVERPOOL, UK - One year after embarking on a life-changing journey across the globe, Liverpool's Margo Oakley and Mark Blythen stepped onto the red carpet at the National Television Awards on Tuesday, September 8, representing their city with pride. The duo, who captured the hearts of the nation on the latest series of the BBC's Race Across the World, attended the ceremony where the show was nominated for best entertainment programme.

A Whirlwind Year for the Liverpool Duo

Margo, a 60-year-old from Childwall, described the past twelve months as a whirlwind. Speaking to the ECHO on the red carpet, she reflected on the public's warm reception to their story. “People have been telling us they laughed and then they cried with us. We just feel like everyone has become a part of our story and tonight just tops it off,” she said.

From 40 Years of Hostility to a Shared Bond

The pair's journey was remarkable not only for its physical challenges but for its personal significance. For nearly four decades, Margo and Mark had a difficult relationship. However, when Mark's wife Julia, who was Margo's sister, fell ill in 2019, they were compelled to set aside their differences. Julia was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, and passed away in 2022.

Their decision to participate in the show was driven by a final wish from Julia: that the two would remain close friends. When Margo asked Mark to join her on the adventure, his answer was an immediate yes.

Honouring Julia's Memory

At the awards, Mark spoke about the positive reaction to their story. “People have been so fantastic, so positive about the race and about our story,” he said. He expressed his belief that Julia would have been overjoyed to see them on the red carpet. “Julia would be absolutely beside herself, she'd love it, she loved things like this. Hopefully she's looking down on us thinking: 'Good on you two, you've done it, you've achieved it'.”

Margo echoed this sentiment, adding, “She'd be absolutely shocked but absolutely thrilled. There's probably going to be a few drinks later she'd especially like that.”

Proud to Represent Liverpool

Margo, whose outgoing personality and Scouse charm endeared her to viewers, said she was proud to represent her city. She also spoke warmly of her bond with fellow Scousers Kush Burman and Jo Diop, the 19-year-olds from Toxteth who won the series. “I'm so proud to represent Liverpool, it's the best city. Me, Jo and Kush, we really felt we wanted to do Liverpool proud and I hope we have,” Margo stated.

The friendships formed on the show have endured. “We've kept in touch since the show. You'll find me and Kush walking around Sefton Park having a natter. He's an old soul and I'm a young soul so I think we meet in the middle,” she added.

Ambassadors for Their City

Kush and Jo were celebrated as true ambassadors for Liverpool, with their warm personalities and open-minded approach helping them on their way to victory. One memorable moment saw the pair teaching a local in Kyrgyzstan the meaning of the Scouse word “boss”.

Reflecting on their win, Kush said, “The whole experience has been surreal. It feels like a fever dream. Being able to represent ourselves and hopefully the city in a positive light has been such a privilege.”

Although Race Across the World did not win its category, losing to the celebrity edition of The Traitors, the evening was a celebration of the show's impact and the enduring spirit of its Liverpool stars.