The Fortune Hotel - meet the contestants to the new White Lotus-style game show

Virgin Radio

7 May 2024, 13:09

The Fortune Hotel: ITV’s newest game show promises high stakes and Caribbean thrills.

Get ready to check-in to ITV's latest entertainment extravaganza, The Fortune Hotel, where contestants vie for cash and drama unfolds faster than room service.

Hosted by the charismatic Stephen Mangan, The Fortune Hotel invites 10 pairs of contestants to the luxurious confines of a Caribbean resort.

But this isn't your average beach getaway – it's a battleground of wits, luck, and £250,000 on the line.

As contestants step into the opulent lobby, they're handed briefcases – each containing a tantalising possibility.

Will it be the jackpot, an empty case, or the dreaded Early Checkout Card? The suspense is palpable, the tension as thick as sunscreen on a summer day.

Throughout the series, viewers will play along as pairs navigate challenges, all while trying to suss out who's sitting on the golden ticket.

It's a game of strategy, intuition, and the occasional dose of luck – just like a game show should be.

And what's a game show without a twist? At the end of each episode, contestants gather at the Lady Luck Bar to decide whether to keep their case or swap it with another.

It's a nail-biting finale where fortunes can change with the flip of a coin – or in this case, a briefcase.

Among the contestants are best friends Scott and Tommy, two young lads from North London with dreams as big as the prize itself.

With Scott mixing drinks and Tommy mastering the art of hairstyling, they're ready to shake up the competition and blow away the competition – one challenge at a time.

Reflecting on their time at The Fortune Hotel, Scott and Tommy recall the adrenaline-fueled highs and hair-raising lows of the experience.

"Every day was a different experience," says Scott, "with so many pinch-me moments." Tommy chimes in, "We really had to dig our way out of certain situations – it was quite the ride."

But it's not all fun in the sun. Tensions run high as rivalries flare, particularly with fellow contestants Will and Jo-Anne.

"We had a run-in," Tommy admits, "but the real drama unfolded with Will and Jo-Anne." Scott nods in agreement, hinting at the fiery clashes that await viewers.

For their part though, mother and son pairing, Jo-Anne and Will believe that there biggest battle might have been with another best friend pairing of Jae and Cherish.

Will said: "I had a dramatic moment with Jae and Cherish where we had a disagreement. I also dropped myself in it a few times with the game play which caused carnage." Jo-Anne then added: "We had a bit of a to do at breakfast one day, I told the other contestants that we weren’t there to make friends but to get the money which didn’t go down too well."

Although she then clarified: "There was nobody there I didn’t like but it was a game and we were all there for a reason and to try and win the money."

As for the coveted cash prize, Scott and Tommy have their eyes set on financial freedom.

"I'd pay off my parents' mortgage," reveals Tommy, "and invest the rest for a comfortable life." It's a dream shared by many – but only one pair will walk away with the jackpot.

With its blend of high-stakes gameplay and exotic locales, The Fortune Hotel promises to be the ultimate TV escape.

Host Stephen Mangan sums it up best: "The game is endlessly fascinating, and when you add the backdrop of the Caribbean, it's irresistible." So pack your bags, tune in, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

The Fortune Hotel airs every Monday-Thursday at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player from May 13th.