Gaz and Yin
Head-strong Yin and pragmatic Gaz are an unlikely duo who will use their unique, dynamic and combined skills to win. Supporting each other through highs and lows, this pair expect to embark on journeys of self-discovery throughout the race.
Why did you want to take part in the series?
I probably wouldn't do this with anyone other than Yin... We're still best mates.
Yin: 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. Gaz and I, although we used to be married, we've been separated for about three years. And then when we split up, I found another partner, but he passed away suddenly in September. The last year has been tough, but one of the things that Chris gave me was a real sense of adventure, and he really liked traveling. We talked a lot about traveling and so when this came along i thought why not, something inside me made me fill out the application form.
Gaz: Personally for me, I did some travel in my early 20’s, but when all my friends when to university to get degrees, I just went out and got a job. I'd seen little bits of 'Race' on Gogglebox. When we were together, we never went on holidays off the beaten track. I’d taken 9-10 months out of my life to go traveling when i was younger, and Yin had never had that.
Why did you decide to do this together?
Gaz: I probably wouldn't 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: I definitely see it like a gift from Chris. I know he's gone, but I do think that he has had a meddling hat in this. He would be laughing hysterically but also cheering us on, wishing he was there, seeing all the different things and getting the new experiences. This whole process so far has also been a vehicle for us to talk about when we were married, but in a really nice way.
Have you picked up any tips from the previous series?
Gaz: Don't lose your passport!
Name the top three creature comforts you'll struggle to live without?
Gaz: I love peanut butter, I'm hoping Yin lets me spend some of the budget to get some. Tea and coffee as well...
Yin: I think it's quite a hard question to ask me right now, because I've been living in an under the stairs cupboard at Gaz’s for the last year. So all my belongings are in a different house and all of the things that I would normally consider my creature comforts aren't with me.
