Race Across the World Pals Jo and Kush on Fame, Friendship and Family
If you have been following the latest series of Race Across the World, you likely have a favourite pair of contestants. Best friends Kush Burman and Jo Diop have captured the attention of many viewers eager to see them complete their journey to northern Mongolia.
However, not all of their friends share the same enthusiasm.
"All my mates' mums, they're loving it more than my mates are," says 20-year-old Kush.
"Half my mates, they're like: 'I can't lie, I've still got to catch up on the past few episodes, but I'm loving it so far'."
The BBC show challenges pairs of travellers to complete a 12,000km (7,450 mile) trek across Europe and Asia without phones and with limited cash. The first to finish claims a £20,000 prize.
Likeable Liverpool natives Jo and Kush do not disclose who wins the final leg but warn viewers to expect a "high stress, very tense" episode.
"Expect nothing, have no expectations," Kush says. "It's a wild place, Mongolia."
"It really is, there's no roads," says Jo, 19. "You might as well just not have the maps."
So far, viewers have seen Jo and Kush relax during the race by playing basketball or enjoying an evening of Mongolian throat singing.
However, a visit to a judo gym in Kazakhstan triggered a more emotional moment for Kush, as it reminded him of his stepdad, Matt.
Viewers witnessed Kush in tears as he revealed he was just 14 when Matt took his own life during lockdown.
"I really wish I could show him who I am now."
Kush told beat that watching the scene back alongside his family was difficult.
"Usually when we talk about my dad it's in a more light-hearted context of, like, 'do you remember this?'," he says.
"But when it's talking about the feelings and emotions behind it, it can be quite tough.
"But the response from the public's been so heart-warming.
"And the feedback I've got for something that was quite tough to do and quite exposing, it's really settled any sort of feelings of nervousness around it."
Kush says many people who have experienced similar losses have reached out to him, which "means a lot."
"It's been such a big influx of messages and comments, but if I could say thank you to everyone, then this is my thank-you."
Close Friendship Supports Emotional Journey
Kush explains that having Jo with him during such a vulnerable moment helped him cope.
Their close relationship is a key factor in their popularity with viewers. During the interview with Newsbeat, Kush turns to Jo and acknowledges that his friend has been there "for every major event that's happened."
"I think you know best than anyone what I need to hear... and that definitely helps when I'm talking about these situations because you know what to say."
Jo agrees and notes that they have "always been in each other's lives."
"So we've both seen each other in our lowest states and I think when them times arise in the race, it's not a surprise for us.
"I feel like we know from experience of how to bounce back and how to counter each other's negativity in a way."
The Race and Future Plans
Jo and Kush admit they entered the show initially "a bit of a joke" after finishing their A-levels.
Regardless of what they do next, they anticipate dealing with recognition from the public, though their new-found fame does not seem to concern them.
"I love it so much," Kush says.
"Yesterday we signed our first autographs, which I thought was so sweet."
Jo recalls they were at a basketball game when three boys called out:
"Yo, Jo and Kush, can you sign us?"
"And we were like 'are you serious'? They were like 'yeah' and handed us a pen," Kush adds.
The pair say they would split the £20,000 prize equally if they won and have already set their sights on further travel.
"We'd have to spend a little bit on ourselves," Jo says.
"I'd probably get a nice pair of Jordan 4s for a new outfit and a nice little holiday, and stash the rest."
"But true to their family values, he also plans to 'contribute to a future house for my mum at some point'.
Kush agrees and mentions plans for additional gap years, reflecting on lessons learned from the Race Across the World experience.
"There is no rush, don't do anything for anyone else," he says.
"If you want to go travelling, do it. If you don't, that's also fine.
"Just make sure you're not just doing things for the sake of it and you actually enjoy what you're doing."
You can watch the Race Across the World finale on BBC One at 20:00 BST on Thursday 21 May and on .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
