I had to run away and go into hiding after Race Across The World – the show made me public enemy number one

A PARTICIPANT in Race Across The World has opened up about how he had to hide away after receiving backlash for the first episode of the show.

Alfie, 20, attracted negative attention when he laughed at a popular Japanese tradition while stopping through Nara City.

The football referee has taken on the challenge of making it from Japan to an island in Indonesia without the use of mobile phones or aircraft.

He is currently appearing on series four of the BBC One programme alongside his best friend, Owen.

Audiences were left unhappy with Alfie when the duo stumbled across the annual Nakizumō Festival, and he giggled at it before apologising and acknowledging that was 'disrespectful'.

During the ancient competition sumo wrestlers hold up two babies in an open air ring and wait to see which one cries first.

The child who lets out the first wail wins, because they are perceived as having the power to ward off evil spirits.

Alfie told the : "I was going into hiding after episode one so I’m glad it’s turned around, to be honest.

"I was like public enemy number one in Japan the day after episode one."

When asked how he responded to receiving criticism on social media, he shared: "I did just run away from it. I knew that better times were ahead.

"I just hoped everything would work out in the end and it is working so far."

However, things have turned around for the lad from St Albans, and his team is now one of the fan favourites to win.

This is partially due to how open both Alfie and Owen have been about their struggles with mental health.

One emotional episode saw Alfie break down in tears as he released a red lantern into the sky in honour of his mum, who passed away from breast cancer when he was young.

Owen has also opened up about his lack of self esteem while in school, and how he struggled with disliking himself.

He spoke a bit about why he thinks Race Across The World viewers are rooting for both of them, saying: "Just being able to show that we’re two guys trying to enjoy our time, but we still have that mental lapse occasionally, it’s really important."