BBC Race Across the World's youngest ever contestant breaks down in tears

BBC's Race Across the World witnessed poignant scenes as 19-year-old Sioned, one of the competition's youngest contenders, couldn't hold back her tears, confessing a bout of homesickness.

Teaming up with her partner Fin - the series' youngest couple to date at ages 19 and 18, marginally younger than previous winners Alfie Watts and Owen Woods - the pair endeavours to traverse Asia on a shoestring budget without internet access, all for the grand prize of £20,000.

They face stiff competition from teams including sisters Elizabeth and Letitia, siblings Melvyn and Brian, ex-spouses Yin and Gaz, and parent-offspring duo Caroline and Tom.

Yet despite the thrill of the race, Sioned grapples with the enormity of their adventure as she reminisces about her serene life in Wales, especially during a moment of vulnerability on an idyllic beach.

Fin delves deeper into their struggles, admitting, "It's absolutely, unbelievably hard for us."

In a nostalgic reflection amidst picturesque sandy shores and azure skies, Sioned comments, "I like going to beaches and stuff when I am home. It's quite nice for me to be able to just stop and have that like home-feeling maybe."

The core of Sioned's distress surfaces as Fin probes, "How do you feel not being able to speak to your mum?" Despite her best efforts to stave off the emotions, Sioned succumbs to her feelings and, with her sunglasses lifted by Fin, breaks down completely.

In a tender moment, Fin instinctively drew Sioned into his embrace, offering solace by rubbing her back and gently advising, "Deep breath," he comforted. "Count to 10."

Upon the cessation of her tears, his query was delicate: "What is it that you miss?" Expressing her longing, she shared: "That familiarity. I like to have that. Don't like being away from everyone you know. Basically just having each other."

During their candid exchange concerning home, Fin probed further with a poignant question: "Do you regret it?" To which Sioned resolutely replied: "No. I know I need to do it."

Audiences didn't hesitate to leap onto social media to unveil their sentiments, as one remarked: "Full respect to Fin and Sioned for doing this experience whilst they are so young. They must be doing their families so proud #RaceAcrossTheWorld."

Another sympathised: "Must be hard having no contact with your family for so many weeks, especially when you're that young. It must be tough. Still babies at the end of the day. But they're doing a once in a lifetime thing and that's amazing #raceacrosstheworld."

One observer lauded: "God, the kids on #raceacrosstheworld are so strong."

And yet another declared: "I think there's a lot of us rooting for Fin and Sioned. They're growing up in front of our very eyes."

Race Across The World continues on Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.