An exhausted Greg James broke down in tears after completing a 1,000km tandem bike ride, which saw him raise more than £3.3m for Comic Relief.
Since last Friday (13 March), the Radio 1 DJ has been supported by Prince William and comedian Joe Lycett, who both joined him for a leg of his epic 630-mile journey from Weymouth to Edinburgh.
James reached the finish line in Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium after eight days of cycling to huge cheers from a crowd. “I can’t believe it’s done!” he exclaimed before breaking down in tears at his victory.
He praised the “spirit” he experienced while cycling through the UK, adding: “It's been the biggest privilege to do this.” James also joked he’d “never cycle again”.
The DJ told Jack Saunders: “It’s been such a struggle at times, but everyone has got me through it.
“The thing I’ll remember the most is seeing the joy from everyone and pushing through the pain to get to that joy.”
James gave a special shoutout to his dad, who is currently in hospital after suffering a stroke.
James trudged to the finish line after being left “depleted” and feeling “rotten” due to exhaustion. He was spurred on by his wife, author Bella Mackie, his mum and fellow Radio 1 colleagues Jamie Laing and Alice Levine.
He also received video messages of support from stars including singers Chris Martin and Nick Jonas, F1 driver Lando Norris, and comedian Bob Mortimer.
It was the arrival of Prince William that left James most nervous, with the DJ stating: “That’s the tightest I’ve grabbed the handlebars for the whole week.”
After the Prince of Wales finished his leg of the ride, sending James on his merry way, the broadcaster said he was relieved that he “didn’t kill the future king”.
James is no stranger to completing exhausting challenges in aid of Comic Relief, also known as Red Nose Day. In the last 10 years, he completed five triathlons in five days and also climbed mountains Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis, raising approximately £2m in total.
Comic Relief airs on BBC One on Friday (20 March). The fundraising spectacular will be hosted by Davina McCall, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Joel Dommett, and Catherine Tate.
A host of British stars, including Sir Idris Elba and Alison Hammond, are set to feature in various comedy sketches, including a special Traitors-themed film starring Anna Friel as host Claudia Winkleman.
Comic Relief 2026: All the sketches, stars, special performances and how to watch
Davina McCall reveals awkward Claudia Winkleman mix-up with fans
What Austen academics really think of The Other Bennet Sister
The Bachelorette season is scrapped after domestic violence video leak
Harry Potter star considered quitting HBO series after JK Rowling backlash
Bachelorette cancellation adds to dating show’s history of racism and controversy
