Singer Sam Ryder is being lauded for his consistently upbeat attitude during the second episode of Celebrity Race Across The World, with one critic calling him a "perfect antidote to all those whinging celebs." Despite facing numerous setbacks like travel delays and a lack of funds, Ryder maintained a positive outlook, stating "Everything is going perfect" and "If you look for the light, you'll find it."

Ryder, who represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, shared that his relentless positivity is a choice, cultivated over 15 years of perseverance in the music industry before achieving his breakthrough. He emphasized the importance of staying positive, contrasting with other celebrities on the show who have been open about their struggles with anxiety, ADHD, and autism. The reviewer suggests that while acknowledging mental health is important, a constant focus on perceived victimhood can be detrimental.

In contrast, football presenter Jeff Stelling, participating with his son Matt, appeared less enthused during their challenging journey through Borneo, with the reviewer noting that the highlight of his day seemed to be mucking out a buffalo stable. Other participants featured in the episode include Ella Eyre and Princess Andre, the latter expressing concern about rabies after a cat licked her.

The review also noted the frequent appearance of cats throughout the show's broadcast, prompting a comparison to the street dogs seen in previous seasons set in India. The critic speculated that the Borneo cats might be more robust than their Indian counterparts.