Emon Choudhury, winner of the second series of BBC's "Race Across The World," has paid tribute to his co-star Jo Gardiner, who died on August 21 at the age of 61 following a battle with cancer.

Gardiner's family announced her death, noting she was an "intrepid adventurer, brave, kind, witty and endlessly loving." Her passing comes a year after her son, Sam Gardiner, died in a car crash at age 24. Sam and Jo had competed together on the show in 2020, journeying across South America and finishing in fourth place.

Choudhury, who won the series with his nephew Jamiul, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, describing Gardiner as the "glue" that kept the "Race Across The World" cast family together. "When we went on Race Across the World we were complete strangers," Choudhury wrote. "None of us realised we would come away from it as a family. And Jo really was the glue that kept that family together."

He recalled how Gardiner was always checking in on others, organizing gatherings, and ensuring the cast remained in each other's lives long after the show concluded. "The TV show finished years ago, but because of Jo, our little family never did," he added.

Choudhury also extended his condolences to Gardiner's surviving son, Charlie. "I can't talk about Jo without thinking about Sam too," he wrote. "So many people got to know and love them both through Race Across the World. Losing Sam last year was something no mum should ever have had to go through, and it's so hard to believe we've now lost them both."

The BBC show's production team also paid tribute to Gardiner, calling her "the matriarch" of the cast. "We hold that memory in our hearts as we fondly recall Jo's passion for life, her kindness, her strength, and above all her utter devotion to Sam and her family," a statement read. "Jo became the matriarch of the Race Across the World cast family, she leaves a lasting legacy in the many lives that she touched, both through the series and beyond."

Jo Gardiner, a physiotherapist from Manchester, was also an ambassador for Diabetes UK. Her family has set up a JustGiving page in her name to support the organization. Gardiner and her son Sam had previously established a fundraiser for the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) charity in Sam's memory, which raised over £20,000. Sam was diagnosed with FASD after being adopted by Jo and Andrew. The mother and son had appeared on the show as Jo wanted to share a travel adventure with Sam, who also had ADHD.