Iain Stirling reveals why Race Against the Tide is unlike anything else on TV – and meet the sand sculpting newcomers taking on sand, sea and Scottish weather

Don't forget your bucket and spade – we're off to the beach for the high-stakes sand sculpting competition set against the spectacular backdrop of West Sands Beach in St Andrews.

Hosted by BAFTA-winning Scottish comedian Iain Stirling, Race Against the Tide is a brand new six-part series which sees seven teams, each made up of a professional sand sculptor and a complete newcomer to the craft, race to create breathtaking sculptures before the incoming tide washes them away!

The six-part series launches on BBC Scotland on 17 August at 8:30pm and on BBC Two on 18 August at 7:30pm. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from 17 August.

With just six hours before the tide rolls in, the teams must transform tonnes of sand into spectacular themed creations while battling the clock, the weather and each other.

And with the weight of the sand and the ever-approaching tide, there's always the risk that both nerves and sculptures could collapse under the pressure!

As the tide sweeps each sculpture away, the competition celebrates the naturally sustainable art of sand sculpting. Created using only sand and water, every creation is returned to the beach, leaving no trace behind.

Beach-ready Iain keeps the contestants entertained with plenty of sand puns along the way, while also having the important job of keeping an eye on the ever-moving tide.

Judging the sculptures are acclaimed artist and sculptor Sadie Clayton and internationally renowned sand sculptor Jamie Wardley. Together, they'll be looking for technical skill, creativity, and above all, wow factor.

At the end of every challenge, one team earns the title of Sand Champions, while another pair must leave the beach. After six epic builds, only one team will be crowned the first-ever Race Against the Tide champions.

Race Against the Tide is the first UK adaptation of the hit format created by Blue Ant Studios, originally produced for CBC in Canada.

The series is made by Tern, a Zinc Media Company. Executive Producers are Harry Bell and David Marshall. It was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland and Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, Commissioning Executive is Steve Allen for BBC Scotland and the Commissioning Editor for BBC Factual Entertainment and Events is Ricky Cooper. The format was created and originally produced by Blue Ant Studios. Blue Ant Rights & Streaming oversees global distribution for the format and all international versions of the series.

Race Against the Tide is being made with the support of Screen Scotland.

RS

Iain Stirling – Host

How does it feel to be bringing Race Against the Tide to audiences this summer?

Amazing! Because we filmed it so long ago, I've been so desperate for people to see it. So I'm really excited. It's a really niche thing to put on the telly, which I'm really happy about. Everyone involved is so passionate about the topic. All the sand sculptors featured in the show do it because they love it. I can't imagine any of them started sand sculpting thinking, ‘this is my route to fame and fortune.’ So, they've all done it because they're incredibly passionate about it.

And I get to showcase Scotland in the sun, which is a great thing to do!

What was it about the format that made you want to get involved?

To be honest with you, I just loved that as a stand-up comedian with young children, there's not a lot of stuff I do on telly that they can see so I really wanted to make something that I could watch with my daughter, and that would make her passionate about wanting to go outside and do a thing.

And since I've done it, we go to the beach, and we make sandcastles together and it's been such a wholesome and fun thing.

I really like the team at BBC Scotland and Tern. Working with Scottish people who I’ve worked with in the past and in my kids TV days on things like Dog Ate My Homework. So, it's nice getting back with all the Scottish crew that I knew from back then. And I got to go up to St Andrews, so it was great.

For those who know nothing about the series, how would you describe Race Against the Tide?

We have got sand sculpting experts and members of the public who have got some sort of creative potential, as well as incredible imaginations. They have to devise and build the most impressive and beautiful sand sculpture they can in the allotted time. And that time is up when the tide comes in and washes the whole thing away, and then they start again from scratch the next day.

As a Scot, what was it like filming on the iconic West Sands Beach in St Andrews?

It was genuinely amazing. I’m Scottish and I grew up wanting to be a golfer so to be on the West Sands was like a boyhood dream come true and the weather was unbelievable, and it was just so nice to showcase Scotland in its full glory. And I think the team did such a good job making it look so beautiful. It felt like a real honour showing Scotland as this sunny, beautiful, amazing place, when it's not always portrayed like that in film and TV.

The competition is all against the clock and the incoming tide. What was it like watching the pressure build as the sea got closer?

It's sort of crazy in the world of TV because there's always variables that you can control a bit – if something goes wrong, we can all go, ‘Right, let's all pause for lunch, we’ll stop the clocks.’ But with this show, you literally couldn't. So, the jeopardy was palpable in real time, and hopefully that translates onto the telly as well. When the tide’s coming in, the tide’s coming in and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Was there a particular sand sculpture or moment during filming that really stuck with you?

I don't want to give away too much, but in one of the episodes there's a beautiful shark fin coming out of the water. It's such a simple and sleek design, but you look at it and I genuinely couldn't believe it was made with sand! It was sort of amazing. That was my definitely my highlight.

The contestants come from all walks of life and have some incredible personal stories. Was there anyone or anything that especially stood out to you?

I think when you're dealing with people who build sand sculptures for a living, there's nothing not fascinating that they can tell you. This sounds like such a cop out answer but it's really not, they genuinely all had these incredible backstories. They'd all moved to sort of remote parts of Eastern Europe and Ireland and all over. They'd all moved their life around for this passion that I didn't even know could be a hobby, let alone a career. All of them were just fascinating to talk to.

Judges Sadie Clayton and Jamie Wardley are looking for creativity, technical skill, storytelling and that all-important wow factor. Did watching the professionals at work give you a new appreciation for sand sculpting?

A million percent! I genuinely love it. I think it's so cool. I love the craftsmanship of it. I love the lack of permanence of it. I love that when the competition first started and the tide was coming in, all the production and myself were almost sad when this tide was coming in and the sculptures weren't. And then by the second or third time, we all had this almost meditative moment where we all sat on the end of the beach and just watched the tide slowly washing and taking away these beautiful sculptures. It felt almost nostalgic, going back to a time when everything didn't have to be filmed and recorded, like concerts and firework displays, and everyone just records and films and keeps everything for prosperity these days. It was great to witness the creation of these wonderful moments but doing it through sculpture. So yeah, I'm obsessed now.

What do you think will surprise audiences most about the series?

How amazing the sculptures are. And then I think how accessible and fun and rewarding sculpting in general can be – I think that'll surprise people. I think that's the main things, how impressive they are and also how you could do it yourself. And it's not as difficult as you would think. The sculptors will hate me for saying that!

If you had to create a sand sculpture inspired by your own life, what would you build?

Well, I’m a stand-up comedian. I’d maybe do a microphone because that feels easy, so maybe that would be good. Microphone symbolises what I do for a living, and I can do that. I feel I can get away with that.

You've hosted some huge entertainment shows over the years. What makes Race Against the Tide stand out from anything else you've worked on?

Well, it’s about sand sculptures, isn’t it? I mean, it's sort of crazy that we've done it, in my opinion, but in a brilliant way. I think the fact that our timing mechanism is nature. The sculptures then go back into the sand. We don't leave anything behind so the environmental aspect of it is sort of second to none. And we build these amazing things and then they're gone. I don't know any other show that's doing that.

And like I said, we're on a beach in Scotland. No one would do that. No one's nuts enough to film on a beach in Scotland, and no one's nuts enough to film sand sculpting. But we've done both of those things at the same time. It's so unique.

Finally, can you describe Race Against the Tide in just three words?

Family fun times.

Jamie Wardley - Expert judge

How does it feel to be bringing Race Against the Tide to audiences this summer?

Oh, it's wonderful. We filmed last year so for us it was some time ago, but it's so nice to bring the joy of sand sculpture to the British shores. We are an island so it's very fitting and maybe it's a bit of a long time overdue.

It's great to do sandcastle building. I hope it inspires people to go to the beach because going to the beach with your family or your friends, and being creative and being in nature is only beneficial and is really good for you. So, I really hope it inspires people to do that.

For those who know nothing about the series, how would you describe Race Against the Tide?

Race Against the Tide is a sand sculpture spectacular, where you have seven teams: one professional sand sculptor with an amateur who’s never built before. They’ve only got six hours to build a massive mountain of sand, which is a feat in itself, and then to carve it, which is extraordinary. And for the winning teams that go through each round, they had to do that six times pretty much in a row. It was a massive creative challenge and a physical challenge, and I hope the people watching it will really grasp that.

As one of the judges, what were you looking for in a winning sculpture?

My remit was from a technical aspect because I'm a sand sculptor. You’re really looking for, are they pushing themselves from a technical perspective? And then just the sculpting techniques. Are the sculptures to a professional standard? Do they have a good understanding of the sand sculpture and what it can do?

And then of course there is the creative side, that was more Sadie’s remit. It's really nice to see the storytelling of the sculptures that the people are making.

What was it about the format that made you want to be involved in the series?

I think as a sculptor, it was just really exciting to see.

There were two aspects that we were involved in, the judging and the preparations for the series. So, reconnaissance, looking for one of the most suitable sands in Scotland. We were also advising on the tides because it’s Race Against the Tide, so we had to work in the tidal zone and within those times and so we're kind of experts at that. It’s really nice to use our knowledge and skills to give the foundations to the series, to each episode and to each competition.

And then as a judge, it was just really nice because I've done quite a bit of sand sculpture in my time, and it was nice to add that layer to the competition, to give my insight as a sand sculptor as to how they were doing from a technical point of view.

Just how difficult is it to create these incredible sculptures against the clock?

These guys only have six hours, right? That is no time at all to do what they were doing. They were phenomenal. They had a few helpers to help what we call ‘pound up,’ or the compaction, which is where you're building the sand up. You’re shovelling and pounding and collecting water. It’s so strenuous and then you've got to put down the big shovel and pick up the small tools and you've got to start carving something that is of quality – it's really difficult in that time period.

But the other aspect is that they're in a competition. So, they were trying their best to win the competition. They were almost overexerting themselves to try and make it work. They weren't playing it too safe either so they were doing things that you probably wouldn't do if it was a commission. As a competition, you push it a little bit more. Some things fell down, which is heart destroying when you're in a timed event and then suddenly you've got to start again, and you've only got two or three hours left.

I'm really glad that I was on the judging side and not on the competitor side, because I think it was really difficult. I think they did extraordinarily well.

What's one surprising fact about sand or sand sculpting that viewers might not know?

One of the key things is that the sand has to be wet. So, wherever you are sand sculpting in the country, on the beach, don't use dry sand. You've got to either wet the dry sand or work below the high tide mark where the sand is already damp. It's got to be wet.

West Sands Beach in St Andrews is a spectacular location. What made it such a great setting for the competition?  

St Andrews is rather unique in that it is near an estuary, so sand that is near an estuary has got some elements of river sand fluvial deposits in it, which means it's got a little bit of silt and clay in there. Now this really helps to bind the sand, and the grains are really fine so you have really nice, fine cuts. There weren't many contaminants and shells inside it either and it held together really well. Whereas sand that is not near an estuary, it has no silt and clay in it and the grains tend to be more round because they’ve been rounded by the sea going in and out over thousands of years, so that sand tends to fall down easier. Whereas the sand in St Andrews allowed the sculptors to build these spectacular vertical sculptures with arches and all sorts of crazy stuff, whereas a lot of sands won't let you do that.

The newbie contestants come from all walks of life, with no sand sculpting experience. What impressed you most about their progress throughout the competition?

You’re really looking at their progress, how much they developed, and they all developed really well. But it was also nice to see them develop creatively, like the storytelling through their sculptures.

And then also the relationship between the professional sculptor and the amateur is lovely to see because you could see them developing a bond and developing their understanding and appreciation of each other.

Was there a sculpture or moment during filming that particularly stood out to you?

It was Johannes and Yusuf. They made a portrait of Yusuf on a camel sitting down, and then they sculpted the inside of him away. It was like a hole, and it was the feeling of something's not quite there, of being homesick. But even just look at it, even if you don't understand the concept fully, you get a sense of this.

What do you think audiences will find most surprising about the series?

Probably our judgment!

I think what sand can do, what they can do, what people can achieve. Because most people have gone to the beach, they've tried to make a sand sculpture and so they have a good grasp of the challenges that you face when you're making a sculpture on a beach, and I think they'll really appreciate the skill of the contestants.

Most people have had a go at some stage in their lives so when they see what they've made with beach sand on a tidal beach in just six hours. I just don't think you could not be impressed. I'm hoping that people will be like, “wow, look at that!”  And I think they'll be impressed by the storytelling as well.

Iain certainly kept everyone entertained with a bucket full of sand puns! What was it like working alongside him?

It was really lovely. We had the recording bit, which was great, and he's very witty, but then also in between the recording, he kept us all entertained whilst we were waiting for the next take, with a few random jokes, which was very, very amusing. It was great.

Finally, can you describe Race Against the Tide in just three words?

Challenging. Creative. Companions.

Sadie Clayton – Expert judge

How does it feel to be bringing Race Against the Tide to audiences this summer?

You know I have been waiting for this day. I just feel this show brings everybody that mood boosting, dopamine, joyous, colourful, fun telly everyone needs right now. So, I can't wait for everyone to tune in for that first episode. I know they’re going to want more. They're going to do a bit of a binge watch on BBC iPlayer.

I'm also really proud of it. I've done quite a few TV bits and pieces, but this, I'm so proud of. I'm excited about it, it feels fresh, it feels unique and something totally unexpected to the arts.

For anyone discovering the series for the first time, how would you describe Race Against the Tide?

It's essentially a fusion of sand, sea, sun and skill. Because both the professional and the amateurs, bring their own skill, in their own ways.

As one of the judges, what were you looking for in a winning sculpture?

Obviously I didn’t know anything about sand, so, from my perspective all of it was impressive from a skills angle. I wanted to know more about the story, the concept, what went well, what didn't go well. I wanted to really feel emotion, and I wanted to see a visual narrative through the sand, and that's actually quite hard to capture in any material, texture, shape or form, so I do feel that the teams did so well in trying to capture that.

As an internationally renowned sculptor, how did your artistic background influence the way you judged the competition?

It was a real honour to be asked to do this show. Having pivoted my career from being a fashionista that made sculptures for the body, where the body was my canvas and very much fusing fashion and art, to then solely now only working in the art world with my sculptures, this felt like another career highlight.

Seeing these sculptures come alive through process, through pain, through tears and, let's face it, the weather, I felt for them. I know it's an emotional rollercoaster when you create an artwork. Even when I was judging at the end, it was tough but I was so smiley because I was just proud of them all.

Creativity is at the heart of the series. What advice would you give the contestants when turning an idea into a memorable sculpture?

That is the hardest thing. To be able to have an idea and think, “okay, how can I translate that into something tangible?” And having worked as an academic and having worked in education for a long time through fashion and art, that is the biggest challenge for most.

They’ve got what they want to make in their head. So, I think it's about having your idea, but then breaking it down and thinking about little components to then create the bigger picture.

But also to not give up. I think it's so easy to be like, “oh, I can't do it. Oh, it's not working. Oh, I give up. Oh, I'm not good enough.” You know, all these negative affirmations that doesn't help. So just stick with the idea and run with it. And whatever happens at the end, that's the beauty of creativity, there's no right or wrong. It's just about making, creating and seeing what the end result is with justification.

What was it about the format that made you want to be involved in the series?

I loved the idea of pairing a professional sand sculptor with a complete beginner. I'm passionate about creativity and education, so seeing people discover new skills and grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. Some of the contestants were already creative in other ways but had never worked with sand before, while others were taking part for deeply personal reasons. One contestant was a mum who wanted to inspire her young child, and you could really see how much the experience meant to her. Watching people transform their outlook on creativity and what they're capable of achieving was one of the highlights of the series for me.

I was also fascinated by the artistry itself. We've all seen sand sculptures on the beach, but these aren't your average sandcastles. They're ambitious, intricate works of art that genuinely make you stop and stare. Seeing what the teams were able to create against the clock was incredible.

What made West Sands Beach in St Andrews such a special setting for the competition?

It was absolutely stunning. I'd not ever been to St Andrews before. And that beach, the air. We had a day off between filming and we were able to walk through St Andrews town and then we drove the car up to Elie and just explored the area.

Now I'm on the outside, I can look in. It was such a special job and such a special environment, and the team around us were so supportive, and they told us a bit about the history of St Andrews and the University obviously, and the golf. The weather just held out for us. I think it was just so special to be there. And we shot it in May, you’d have thought it was in the middle of summer! It was like the perfect spot for it.

The newbie contestants came from all walks of life, with little or no sand sculpting experience. What impressed you most about their creativity throughout the competition?

Their tenacity. They were not giving up. They were eager. They were tenacious. They were ambitious. They were committed. They really, really wanted it. They really fought hard. But also, they didn’t want to let the professional down, and you wouldn’t. If you're in a team you want to show what you've got. They were learning along the way as well. And they were grafting like the proper grafters they are. And I love that they were all from different walks of life. Some of them have had little experience, some of them had zero experience and actually, at times you wouldn't have known the difference because they all really pulled it together and smashed it.

Was there a sculpture or moment during filming that particularly stayed with you?

Loads, lots of bits and pieces. And in fact, when I look, because I've got a folder on my phone from photos that I took whilst we were there, I think oh my gosh, they were so wow!!

And there's also moments where I'm like kind of gritting teeth and I'm thinking they're not going to get it. They're not going to do it. And they do. Wow. I actually can't wait to watch the whole thing.

As a new mum, has parenthood changed the way you look at art and imagination?

It's definitely changed my perspective on creativity and what it takes to bring an idea to life. The biggest change has been my relationship with time. As a mum, you're constantly juggling priorities and you don't have the same luxury of spending hours developing ideas or imagining every possible outcome. You have to make decisions quickly and make the most of the time you have.

Watching the teams create these incredible sculptures under such intense time pressure gave me a whole new appreciation for what they were achieving. Knowing how challenging it can be to balance your time and energy made me much more empathetic towards the contestants. I was constantly thinking, "Wow, what an achievement it is to create something so imaginative under these conditions."

Now, whenever I look at a piece of art or visit an exhibition, I'm much more aware of the role time plays in the creative process. Time really does change everything. And because Race Against the Tide is all about racing against the clock, it made that even more apparent. Every decision matters when time is your biggest challenge.

What do you think audiences will find most surprising about the series?

I think they'll find the pure beauty of the sculpture surprising. I think they're going to be wowed by how incredible they are. They're not just little sandcastles that people are imagining. No, no, no. These are extraordinary, creative, imaginative, fabulous sculptures that just happen to be made out of sand.

Iain kept everyone entertained with a bucketful of sand puns! What was it like working alongside him?

It's dead fun. He’s fun, he’s witty. Obviously he's not an artist, so a lot of the things that I would suggest or say or comment on, you could see him turn it into a joke and that was quite funny. But I love that all three of us had a completely different perspective. Jamie was very focused on the technical skill and craftsmanship, while I was often looking at the creativity, the storytelling and the idea behind the sculpture. We'd have those friendly debates, and then Iain would come in with, "Alright, guys... it's just sand!" I think the dynamic worked perfectly.

If you could create your dream sand sculpture anywhere in the world, what would it be and where would you build it?

That's a big question! I recently came back from Jamaica, where I was on what felt less like a press trip and more like a pilgrimage. As someone who is dual heritage – British and Jamaican – it was an opportunity to reconnect with my roots, and it really inspired me.

I'd love to create a sand sculpture on the waterfront in Kingston, which is such a vibrant cultural and artistic hub. The sculpture would embody power and joy – two things I associate so strongly with Jamaica. I'd also want to push the boundaries of what a sand sculpture can be by incorporating colour and perhaps even copper, creating a multimedia piece that combines the natural beauty of sand with other materials.

For me, that would also represent bringing different worlds together. Art is about combining creativity, imagination and ideas with skill and craftsmanship, and I love the symbolism of fusing those elements. In many ways, it reflects my own dual heritage too – bringing two identities together to create something beautiful. That's the sculpture I'd love to bring to life.

Finally, can you describe Race Against the Tide in just three words?

Joyful. Unexpected. Innovative.

Meet the sand sculpting newbies

Alex Burman

Alex swapped dreams of becoming a police officer for a career in carpentry after discovering a passion for working with wood during his apprenticeship.

Nicknamed the "Valley Viking", Alex brings plenty of determination to the competition. Although he once considered himself a lone wolf, he believes teamwork is now one of his greatest strengths as he learns the art of sand sculpting alongside professional sculptor Rémy Hoggard.

Why did you want to take part in the show?

“I believe this show couldn’t have come at a better time. I feel that most people in the UK love the beach on a warm sunny day (when we actually do get sun) and I think this show will inspire many to make more use of our beaches and get outdoors. I’ve been on social media for over 6 years showing my craft with carpentry and building, but now I get to show people that my hand skills aren’t just for wood. 

Also I’m the only Welsh person on the show so I’m representing Wales which is a huge plus for me!”

Occupation: Carpenter & Builder

Nickname: The Valley Viking

Location: South Wales

Professional teammate: Rémy Hoggard

Strengths: Teamwork, determination and problem-solving

Yusuf Osman

Former lawyer Yusuf swapped the courtroom for the workshop after discovering a passion for leathercraft. Having studied Law at the London School of Economics, he explored everything from stained glass and ceramics to circus performance before finding his creative calling in leatherwork.

Partnered with professional sand sculptor Johannes Hogebrink, Yusuf hopes his patience, creativity and meticulous craftsmanship will help him transform tonnes of sand into breathtaking sculptures.

Why did you want to take part in the show?

“As a craftsman, I process the world through making and the language of materials. Naturally then, I could not resist the opportunity to try a completely different medium - sculpting with sand! I am also usually tucked away in my small studio and working alone, so I relished the idea of working in a team on the beautiful expanse of St Andrews Beach!

My experience on the show highlighted that magic happens in the space between people; my partner Johannes and I ideated sculptures that neither of us could alone and, working as a team pushed my craft further than I expected. There’s also something quietly radical about sand sculpture: just sand and water offered to the world only to return back with the tide, leaving no trace. Maybe the only truly sustainable craft, and a humbling one.”

Occupation: Leather craftsman

Location: London

Professional teammate: Johannes Hogebrink

Strengths:  Thrives under pressure, creative problem-solver, quiet determination

Athena Cauley Yu

Athena is the founder of a luxury stationery and calligraphy business in Bath. A creative at heart, she combines an infectious enthusiasm with an acute eye for detail, tackling every challenge with optimism and a great sense of humour.

Partnered with professional sand sculptor Rachel Stubbs, Athena hopes her artistic flair and love of storytelling will help transform tonnes of sand into spectacular sculptures.

Why did you want to take part in the show?

“The main reason I wanted to take part in Race against the Tide was how utterly random and niche it sounded. Learn how to build enormous, elaborate sand sculptures from a professional?! Absobloominlutely! I adore a bit of hands-on creativity and am very much all for doing the random fun thing when the opportunity arises.  

It was a hilarious, intense situation that taught me about letting go - about pouring all this effort and energy into a moment just for it to disappear back into nature. It was magic.”

Occupation: Stationery Designer & Hand Letterer

Location: Bristol

Professional teammate: Rachel Stubbs

Strengths: Creative problem-solving, staying calm under pressure and a collaborative approach.

David Waldren

David grew up by the sea in Plymouth, where childhood birthdays were spent on the beach, making him no stranger to sand. Although he originally studied architecture, he quickly realised it wasn't the career for him and instead followed his passion for creativity with a diploma in cake decorating. Today, he runs a successful cake design business with his wife, Esther, creating more than 400 bespoke cakes each year.

Partnered with professional sand sculptor Zara Gaze, David hopes the sculpting and engineering skills he uses to create gravity-defying cakes will translate to building spectacular sand sculptures.

Why did you want to take part in the show?

"As The Cake Architect, I love the challenge of bringing unusual and imaginative ideas to life. My business creates amazing cake sculptures, showstopping wedding cakes and unique edible art. How could I say no to creating crazy art in a different form? Growing up by the sea, I spent my childhood playing on the beach, so this felt like the perfect opportunity to revisit those memories in a whole new way. I loved every minute of experimenting, playing, and collaborating with an amazing group of artists, each bringing their own unique perspective and talent."

Occupation: Cake Designer

Location: Bradford-on-Avon

Professional teammate: Zara Gaze

Strengths: Natural team player, adaptable, and brings a positive, can-do attitude to every challenge.

Helen Rattray

Local contestant Helen is no stranger to Scotland's east coast, having grown up in Arbroath and now studying Fine Art in Dundee, just a stone's throw from West Sands Beach in St Andrews. Before returning to university, Helen spent 30 years working as a physiotherapist in Glasgow.

Outside her studies, Helen rides a Ducati sports bike and is a former martial arts champion, having won Scottish, British, Irish and European kickboxing titles. Partnered with professional sand sculptor Martin De Zoete, Helen hopes her creativity, competitive spirit and determination will help her go the distance in the competition

Occupation: Fine Art Student & Former Physiotherapist

Location: Dundee

Professional teammate: Martin De Zoete

Strengths: Tenacious, fiercely competitive, highly focused and a quick learner.

Mary-Havana Little

Mary has never been one for traditionally girly pursuits, preferring to spend her childhood in the yard alongside her dad and brother and learning the family trade of plastering. Working in a male-dominated industry has brought its challenges, but Mary's determination and resilience have only strengthened her passion for the craft.

Partnered with professional sand sculptor Paul Hoggard, Mary is hoping her practical skills and ability to think on her feet will help her rise to the challenge on the beach.

Why did you want to take part in the show?

“I was so excited to compete and be part of Race Against the Tide. I’m used to making masterpieces out of plaster, so I thought I’d give the sand a go and I’m so happy I did. It was a lot different, but I really felt like I adapted. I love working with my hands so that was such an experience for me to be free and create. I learnt so much and met friends for life. They couldn’t have picked a better partner for me. I couldn’t have done it without Paul. We made the perfect team. I loved it that much I got home and built a sand pit in my workshop! Being part of Race Against the Tide really showed me that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Occupation: Plasterer

Location: Surrey

Professional teammate: Paul Hoggard

Strengths: Reliable, level-headed, strategic and thrives under pressure.

Shane Green

After college, Shane found himself taking an unexpected path into teaching, spending more than 40 years as an art teacher. Now retired, he's pursuing his passion for chainsaw sculpting and working with a wide range of materials, from wood and stone to ice.

Partnered with professional sand sculptor Lisa Lindqvist, Shane hopes his years of experience and creative eye will translate to the beach as he takes on sand for the very first time.

Why did you want to take part in Race Against The Tide?

"Being an artist and art teacher all my life when this opportunity came along, I was both intrigued and excited by the possibilities of taking my craft into totally different material such as sand. I had just retired and started putting much more time into my chainsaw carving and I felt this would be a great opportunity to test myself in an unfamiliar environment. I looked forward to learning a new art skill and working alongside a professional sand sculptor - being taught rather than teaching! I also looked forward to the competitive nature of the series as I knew it would bring out the best in me."

Occupation: Retired Art Teacher and Chainsaw Sculptor

Location: Otley, West Yorkshire

Professional teammate: Lisa Lindqvist

Strengths: Tenacious, resilient and always willing to push himself to the limit.

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