Race Across The World star flies 5,700 miles to pay £12 bill-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

A Race Across The World contestant has proved he’ll stop at nothing to pay back people who show him kindness.

Alfie Watts travelled to Kobe, Japan – around 5,700 miles from the UK – to complete his ‘mission’ to settle a £12 bill for beef.

Fans of the BBC series will likely remember when Alfie, 21, along with his travel companion Owen Wood, 21, were given a meal free of charge. In the episode, the pair were racing to complete the journey’s second half and reach a checkpoint in South Korea.

In need of food, Owen suggested they try the city’s delicacy before continuing. The premium, highly marbled cut of beef known for its tender and rich flavour was tempting him to forget about money. However, sensible Alfie was concerned about how it may eat into their budget (quite literally).

The pair had been given just £1,390 per person to make the 9,320-mile journey from Sapporo in Japan to Gili in Indonesia. The equivalent of what it would cost for a plane ticket, but with the figure, they had to cover all their travel, accommodation, and food.

Alfie’s fears turned into joy when a sweet restaurant worker covered the cost. Showing their gratitude with a big hug, they then left the establishment. The man likely assumed he wouldn’t see the strangers again.

Race Across The World winner Alfie Watts made an epic trip to pay back £12 (Picture: Studio Lambert)

However, a year after the epic finale, with some help from BBC iPlayer, Alfie was able to find the exact location where he was given the freebie.

He was particularly keen to show his gratitude, as he eventually won the £20,000 prize fund with Owen. Something they may not have been able to do without the kindness of strangers.

Alfie was very grateful to the restaurant worker (Picture: @alfiewattss / TikTok)

Documenting his journey on TikTok, Hertfordshire-based Alfie explained to followers: ‘I am on a mission to pay for the Kobe beef. One year later, let’s go and pay what I owe.

‘This is something I’ve wanted to do for so long and the fact I’ve been able to do it was so exciting.’

Travelling to Higashimon Street, he found the restaurant but not the man. Undeterred, he had the meal once again (when in Rome!), and was then guided to a partner eatery to find his guy.

Initially the man didn’t want to accept the cash (Picture: @alfiewattss / tiktok)

After being reunited, Alfie explained who he was by playing a video of their original meeting. Alfie then offered the cash, which was initially refused. Luckily, once he explained how badly he wanted to pay the money back, the waiter happily accepted.

Summarising the experience Alfie said: ‘I finally paid for the Kobe beef so just remember always pay things forward. I do believe in paying my way.’

The comments section was filled with people praising Alfie for the sweet gesture.

‘Super pleased you found him and paid for the beef. Knew you wouldn’t forget!’ wrote StrangerThings11. David Cowen summarised that the world needs more people like Alfie, and account Just Me said: ‘Super pleased you found him and paid for the beef. Knew you wouldn’t forget!’

The Race Across The World cast had a challenging few weeks (Picture: Studio Lambert/Pete Dadds/Matt Burlem)

Race Across The World sees teams of two go head-to-head on a tight budget with limited information. They must reach a destination on the other side of the world before any of the other competing teams. To make things more difficult, the pairs are not allowed to use planes, smartphones, or the internet.

Series four, which aired earlier this year, saw five pairs of contestants in an epic 15,000-kilometre race across several countries in Eastern Asia.

After winning, an excited Owen said: ‘We came, and we saw, and we succeeded,’ while Alfie added: ‘Best moment of our lives. Undeniably. Can’t believe it.’

Alfie and Owen won series four (Picture: Studio Lambert)

Revealing what happened after the incredible moment, Alfie told Metro: ‘After we won, we spent some time with the other contestants and to be honest we just chilled out and got some sleep. The night of the final, I ate three tuna steaks so I went all in.’

Alfie added that he doesn’t have regrets about the once-in-a-lifetime trip. ‘I don’t really hold a great deal of regret from anything, to be honest. I wrote my heart on my sleeve for eight weeks – I couldn’t not because it’s such a surreal experience that you put yourself in,’ he explained.

‘Sure, there were times where I kind of wish watching it back on TV that I just calmed down a little bit. But I also knew that I knew that in the momentI was acting in the genuine best interest of the race.

‘It was all worth it in the end, so I don’t think I’ve got anything to apologise to myself for.’

Race Across The World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More