TV Blackbox can report exclusively that Network 10 have significantly altered production for the upcoming season ofTHE AMAZING RACE AUSTRALIA to make it a domestic-only season.
All participating teams will only travel to Australian locations due to current global health concerns around the spread of COVID-19/coronavirus. It’s a significant change to the show, hosted locally by Beau Ryan, as the format prides itself on placing contestant in foreign countries where particularly their challenges are exaggerated by the local culture and language.
Due to the significant pre-production process involving site and country visits 10 have taken an understandably cautious approach for all concerned.
The US version hosted by Phil Keoghan suspended production mid-season earlier this year which sent all cast and crew flying around the world back to America. This is understood to have been part of the reason behind 10’s decision.
A Network 10 spokesperson said:
“Due to the current cautions around international travel due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a domestic route has proven the safest option for the upcoming season of The Amazing Race Australia, which begins production in June this year.”
“The welfare of cast and crew is of the upmost importance and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure their protection. From tropical rainforests, to the arid, red desert of the outback and the cool mountainous hinterlands, we are confident that the sheer vastness and contrasting environment of Australia will create a unique and challenging backdrop to the most amazing race on earth.”
They can do obstacle courses through Woolworths looking for toilet paper!