Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about the new BBC series Race Against the Tide.
How to watch Race Against the Tide in Australia on BBC iPlayer
To watch Race Against the Tide in Australia, use a premium VPN, connect to a UK server, and then open BBC iPlayer. Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account and stream all six episodes online.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open BBC iPlayer website, then login or sign up for a free account. A UK postal code is required when creating a new account, and you can use a UK postcode generator if needed.
- You are all set to watch Race Against the Tide (UK) online!
Race Against the Tide (2026 TV Series) Synopsis
Race Against the Tide is a 2026 series that follows seven teams competing to create large-scale sand sculptures on West Sands Beach in St Andrews before the incoming tide washes their work away. This is the UK version of the competition format originally created by Blue Ant Studios and produced for CBC in Canada.
Each team pairs an experienced professional sand sculptor with someone completely new to the craft. They have six hours to turn tonnes of sand into a sculpture based on the challenge theme while dealing with changing weather, technical problems and the steadily approaching sea.
Scottish comedian Iain Stirling hosts the six-part competition and keeps track of the teams as their time runs down. Artist and sculptor Sadie Clayton and professional sand sculptor Jamie Wardley judge each finished creation on its technical quality, creativity and overall impact.
One team is named Sand Champions at the end of each challenge, while another pair leaves the competition. The sculptures are made using only sand and water, so after judging, the tide naturally returns the material to the beach.
When Does Race Against the Tide Premiere?
Race Against the Tide premieres on August 17, 2026, on BBC Scotland at 8:30 PM, with all six episodes available on BBC iPlayer from the same day. The series also begins on BBC Two on August 18 at 7:30 PM..
Race Against the Tide Season 1 Episodes
Here are the six episodes in Race Against the Tide Season 1.
- Episode 1 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
Seven teams begin the competition by creating seaside-themed sand sculptures before the tide returns. - Episode 2 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
Six remaining teams have six hours to turn their ideas about home into detailed sand creations. - Episode 3 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
The teams take inspiration from the ocean as they build their latest sculptures against the clock. - Episode 4 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
Five teams tackle a monster-themed challenge and try to complete their sculptures before the sea reaches them. - Episode 5 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
Four teams work with a sky-themed challenge as they compete for places in the final. - Episode 6 – Premiere date: August 17, 2026
The finalists face their last challenge by building elaborate sandcastles before the first Race Against the Tide champions are crowned.
Race Against the Tide (2026) Cast
Here are the main hosts, judges and competitors in Race Against the Tide.
Host
- Iain Stirling as Host.
Expert Judges
- Jamie Wardley as Expert Judge.
- Sadie Clayton as Expert Judge.
Contestants
- Alex Burman as Contestant.
- Yusuf Osman as Contestant.
- Athena Cauley Yu as Contestant.
- David Waldren as Contestant.
- Helen Rattray as Contestant.
- Mary-Havana Little as Contestant.
- Shane Green as Contestant.
Professional Sand Sculptors
- Rémy Hoggard as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Johannes Hogebrink as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Rachel Stubbs as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Zara Gaze as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Martin De Zoete as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Paul Hoggard as Professional Sand Sculptor.
- Lisa Lindqvist as Professional Sand Sculptor.
On What Devices Can You Watch BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer works across a wide range of connected devices.
| Category | Devices |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | Android phones, iPhone |
| Tablets | Android tablets, iPad, Amazon Fire tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks |
| Smart TVs | Selected Samsung TVs, LG TVs, Sony TVs and other compatible smart TVs |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast |
| TV Platforms | Sky Q, Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Virgin TV |
| Web Browsers | Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari |
FAQs
Who hosts Race Against the Tide?
Iain Stirling hosts the UK version of Race Against the Tide and keeps the competitors updated as the tide approaches during each challenge. Stirling is a Scottish comedian, writer and television presenter known for his stand-up work and as the voice of Love Island.
Who are the judges on Race Against the Tide?
Sadie Clayton and Jamie Wardley judge the teams’ sculptures, looking at areas including technical skill, creativity and overall visual impact.
Where was Race Against the Tide filmed?
Race Against the Tide was filmed at West Sands Beach in St Andrews, Scotland.
Who makes Race Against the Tide for the BBC?
Race Against the Tide is made by Tern, a Zinc Media Company.
Is Race Against the Tide based on another TV series?
Yes, the UK programme is the first British adaptation of the Race Against the Tide format originally produced for CBC in Canada.
How does the Race Against the Tide competition work?
Each team brings together a professional sand sculptor and a newcomer, who are given six hours to complete a themed sculpture before the tide comes in. The competition gradually reduces the number of teams until the remaining contestants compete to become the first UK Race Against the Tide champions.
Overview
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