ITV bosses spent a huge fortune filming upcoming game show The Fortune Hotel – so much so that they had to “restrict” the contestants’ budgets.
Dubbed a glamorous version of The Traitors, the show will see its contestants lie to each other, take part in challenges and find out who the traitors are.
Ten couples will enjoy a stylish stay at the luxury Silversands resort in the Caribbean and have the chance to win £250,000.
The couples will each be given a briefcase, with only one containing the cash inside, and each day the contestants will compete in challenges to try to discover who has the most important case.
According SunThe filming of the psychological series, whose host is Stephen Mangan, was so expensive that the bosses had to empty the contestants’ minibars for fear of exceeding the budget.
ITV bosses spent a huge fortune filming upcoming game show The Fortune Hotel – so much so that they had to ‘restrict’ the contestants’ budget.
A source told the publication that The Fortune Hotel specifically needed to look “luxurious,” and that the mini fridge in each room was stocked with the fancy Whispering Angel drink.
“It meant the team had to confiscate the mini bars and leave the contestants high and dry because the budget wasn’t enough especially for the Whispering Angel.
“At first, the cast was thrilled to be able to take a five-star vacation to the Caribbean, but in reality, after three weeks, even a nice dinner can get a little boring.”
The TV source added that some of the contestants actually ‘ordered a regular burger and pizza’ at one point.
The eight-episode series features business director Claire, 43, and solicitor Daniel, 43, both from Gloucestershire.
Claire said they took the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone.
Filming the psychological series, hosted by Stephen Mangan (pictured), was so expensive that bosses reportedly had to empty contestants’ minibars for fear of going over budget.
Ten couples will enjoy a stylish stay at the luxury Silversands resort in the Caribbean and have the chance to win £250,000.
“We always embraced adventure and wanted to do something together,” he said.
“The opportunity to do something outside your comfort zone is always a good thing.”
Her husband Daniel said participating in the show also tested their relationship at times.
“I would say all the challenges were a real bonding experience for everyone, the sun was shining, we were all excited and it gave us a chance to really get to know each other,” he said.
“There was also a funny moment where Claire and I got into a fight because she wasn’t happy with how competitive I was, even though I reminded her that the point of the show is to compete.
Host Stephen Mangan, an actor and comedian, said taking the new job was a no-brainer for him.
“The opportunity to travel to the Caribbean seemed very interesting on its own, even before addressing everything else that goes into it,” he said.
“That’s what first caught my attention, but when they explained the game to me and I played it, it was just brilliant.
“The game is quite simple but endlessly fascinating, so a combination of that together with the backdrop in which it was set was simply irresistible.
“People are endlessly fascinating to me as an actor and the reason you become an actor is because people and how they get along with each other, especially in times of high stress, is deeply fascinating.
“Human beings are complex and interesting, so The Fortune Hotel seemed like the perfect combination of entertainment and drama. It’s a way to bring people together under pressure in an awesome place.
“The whole package was incredibly intriguing to me, so I had to be a part of it.”
The Fortune Hotel airs Monday to Thursday at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player from May 13.
The couples will each be given a briefcase, with only one containing the cash inside, and each day the contestants will compete in challenges to try to discover who has the most important case.
