ITV’s newest gameshow The Fortune Hotel has been likened to The Traitors due to the stealth and strategy needed by its players.
But viewers may actually find it has more in common with glossy drama The White Lotus.
Like the Sky hit, The Fortune Hotel was filmed at a luxury five-star hotel, the Silversands hotel in Grenada, where a room costs £720 a night.
And I can reveal the shoot became so pricey, bosses had to empty the contestants’ mini bars over fears for the budget. The room fridges contained £80 bottles of posh plonk, Whispering Angel.
A source said: “The Fortune Hotel setting needed to be truly luxurious and Silversands is definitely that and comes with all the trimmings, but also with quite the price tag.
“It meant the crew had to confiscate the mini bars and leave the contestants dry because the budget wouldn’t stretch to the Whispering Angel especially.
“To start with, the cast were over the moon to take up a five-star Caribbean holiday but actually, after three weeks, even fine dining can get a little bit tiresome.
“Some of them actually begged for a normal burger and pizza one night.”
The deluxe offerings of The Fortune Hotel is not where the comparisons to Sky’s fictitious holiday resort end.
I can also reveal that ITV’s presenter Stephen Mangan was handpicked for the role because he reminded bosses of Tom Hollander’s White Lotus character Quentin.
Juicy cliffhanger
Show execs deemed him the perfect blend of the affable English gent who could perform a comedy turn when needed.
When the show starts on Monday, he will oversee ten pairs vying to win £250,000 by swapping suitcases.
The programme will air Monday to Thursday at 9pm for a fortnight — and bosses promise a juicy cliffhanger at the end of the week.
Was it when the cast were finally allowed a vino?
Albert Square off
The secret is out on Albert Square – and it spells a furious clash on EastEnders tonight between Patrick Trueman and Pastor Clayton.
Earlier this week on the BBC One show, Yolande, played by Angela Wynter, revealed how she had been sexually assaulted by the clergyman – who has a long list of previous victims, seen in flashback scenes.
She left her worried husband Patrick, played by Rudolph Walker, devastated with the news and ready to confront his wife’s attacker, played by Howard Saddler, face to face.
But after promising not to use his hands during the face-off, it looks from this picture as though Patrick will struggle to stick by his word.
With Patrick unable to control his rage, and Yolande having now reported the pastor’s behaviour to the church committee, this could at least put an end to his vile crimes.
A Grand birthday it is, Kev
Kevin McCloud will celebrate 25 years of Grand Designs the best way he knows how – with some, ahem, grand designs.
He has hosted the Channel 4 show since its launch in 1999 and a special episode to open the new series this autumn will see him revisit some of the greatest, greenest and most disastrous builds. It will be accompanied by a commemorative book.
Kevin, seen here on episode one in 1999, said: “Being part of Grand Designs has been a privilege. I’ve met remarkable people, discovered hidden places and experienced amazing architecture. Writing the book has given me new insight into the achievements of the last 25 years.”
Show bosses have also teased that the new series will include a “truly epic” water tower conversion.
Well, we’re safe to assume it goes well over budget.
Amol Rajan is taking a very brief break from asking the questions on University Challenge – and turning his attention to a panel of celebrities instead. The quiz show host will guest star on Have I Got News For You with Richard Osman. It is set to air on May 24 at 9pm on BBC One.
Antiques revalued by Beeb
A treasure trove of antiques shows are returning to BBC channels later this year.
The broadcaster is giving three of its popular auction-based programmes another series.
A third 20-episode run of BBC One’s The Travelling Auctioneers – which sees experts join forces with restoration masters before a big-money auction – is already in the works.
Last year, it saw Bargain Hunt’s Christine Trevanion and auctioneer Izzie Balmer join forces with presenter JJ Chalmers and woodworker Robin Johnson.
It will be closely followed by a 29th series of BBC One’s Antiques Road Trip. Plus there will be a 13th series of the BBC Two spin-off show, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
Is Cats out for Count?
We have some bad news for fans of 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
While episodes for another series have been shot and are ready to go, Channel 4 is still undecided on when it will air them.
Instead, some further episodes will be recorded to add to the already filmed run for when the season does finally hit screens later this year.
Plans to film any further series have been put on hold – with no date set to reassess the situation. This could means no new series next year. Presented by Jimmy Carr and co-hosted by Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown is one of Channel 4’s longest unscripted shows, lasting 12 years.
It also features comedian Jon Richardson opposite a rotating guest captain, which has been in place since the series’ former captain Sean Lock passed away in 2021.
Rach dig at Lard Sugar
Gym owner Rachel Woolford has big ambitions – to become The Apprentice’s most successful ever winner.
But the Yorkshire lass, who triumphed on the BBC One show last month, reckons she could never get Lord Sugar into an exercise class.
Rachel, whose North Studio firm has two gyms, in Leeds and Harrogate, says: “I don’t see why I can’t turn over a million in a year, like I plan to.
“I work my a*** off, my business is very healthy.
“But getting Lord Sugar into the gym . . . I’m not sure we can make it happen, though I’ve had clients asking me if he’s going to be in the front of their classes soon.
“I don’t think he’s into joining a group session – but maybe for a private class.”