Dane Simpson and dad Bow to take on the world in The Amazing Race

Wagga funnyman Dane Simpson is going global with a new reality TV role that will take him on a journey across the world with his dad Bow.

“The cats out of the bag … We are super excited to join The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition,” he declared on social media on Friday morning.

“Feel very blessed that we can go on this journey together.”

It’s been a big few years for the stand-up comedian and didgeridoo player.

Following the success of his award-winning show ‘Didgeridoozy’, he has performed at comedy festivals all across Australia, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and toured India.

He’s also committed to building a local comedy scene, hosting regular Riverina Comedy Club events.

The news sheds light on the mystery behind Dane’s surprise announcement on Monday that he would not be able to perform at this weekend’s Wagga Comedy Festival.

“Good news, bad news,” he announced on Facebook.

“Great news is that the Wagga Comedy Festival is on next week. Bad news is I am now unavailable. I’ve been called away, but for the Wagga Comedy Festival, we still have these shows continuing.”

He said that his wife Eleanor and the team from the Riverina Comedy Club would take the reins in his stead.

“In fact, it’s easier when I’m not here, is her direct quote!” he said.

If you’ve seen him perform, you’ll be well aware that his father Bow is a reoccurring character in Dane’s shows. Dane said he’s looking forward to introducing him in person to the nation.

“I think he’s one of the silliest, funniest people … I wanted to just show people that he’s real,” Dane told broadcaster Ten when the show’s lineup was revealed.

“I think Australia is absolutely going to fall in love with him.”

The reality series launched on Ten in 2019, following the US format that sends two-person teams racing around the world on a kind of global treasure hunt.

Former NRL player Beau Ryan hosts the show that will feature celebrities for the first time this year.

A total of 11 teams of well-known Aussies, including sport stars, TV and radio hosts, high profile couples, a Wiggle and, of course, comedians, will compete for $100,000 in prize money to be donated to a charity of their choice.

The father-son team is based in Wagga, but Bow regularly returns to Walgett on Gamilaraay country.

“Dad spends a lot of time in Walgett. He has a house there,” Dane said.

“He lives there half the time, and he lives in Wagga Wagga.”

With $100,000 on the line for the winners, Dane says they would donate the money to the Dharriwaa Elders Group Incorporated to help supply fresh drinking water to the community.

“To think that people buy bottled water every week is just crazy,” Dane said.

“We think everyone in Australia should have access to clean water to drink. ”

The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition will air on Channel 10 later this year.