New Series Of 'Real Marigold Hotel' Announced

Nine celebrities have been confirmed to take part in a new series of Real Marigold Hotel.

The show, which follows the group of famous faces as they road-test retirement in India, will return to BBC One in 2018 and will star Bob Champion, Ian and Janette Tough (aka The Krankies), Peter Dean, Selina Scott, Stanley Johnson, Stephanie Beacham, Susan George and Syd Little.

The celebrities will embark on an adventure to India, road-testing retirement in Udaipur, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Spreading around the shores of Lake Pichola with a backdrop of green hills, Udaipur is known as one of India's most romantic cities. With its ornate turrets, balconied palaces and whitewashed havelis clustered around the waters of the lake, it is a destination ripe for exploring in retirement.

The 4x60' series was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Director BBC Content, and Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries. Produced by Twofour, the Executive Producers are David Clews and Andrew MacKenzie. Ben Archard is the Series Producer and Claire Walls is the Series Editor.

Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, said: "I'm delighted that we are heading back to India for a third series of Real Marigold Hotel. The magical combination of warmth and humour has struck real chord with audiences. India's ability to genuinely move and transform the lives of those who are lucky enough to visit is never to be under estimated."

David Clews, Creative Director, Twofour, added: "We've got a brilliant line up of famous faces checking into The Real Marigold Hotel. They're a fabulous and funny mix of characters, honest and open about their personal stories, and all of them excited to explore what retirement has to offer in the vibrant and beautiful city of Udaipur. We've got our first married couple too, which adds a brand new dynamic. It's going to be the best series yet."

Image credit: BBC Media Centre.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP/MH)