THE FORTUNE HOTEL RETURNS THIS SUMMER, ITV TO AIR NEW SERIES OVER FOUR WEEKS WITH ACCOMPANYING PODCAST IN DEVELOPMENT

ITV’s critically acclaimed reality competition show The Fortune Hotel is to return for a second series of strategy, deception and intrigue later this year. Stephen Mangan will return to take up hosting duties.

The new series is set to hit screens "this Summer" and is currently planned to air two episodes per week for four weeks, TV Zone understands - a change from last series which saw the eight episodes air over consecutive nights for two weeks. Also in development is an accompanying podcast hosted by comedian Ellie Taylor.

The podcast, titled 'Late Check Out' takes listeners behind the scenes of ITV’s most thrilling reality competition and offers an exclusive inside look at all the twists, turns, and jaw-dropping challenges that make The Fortune Hotel the ultimate holiday getaway turned high-stakes game of deception. The podcast is subject to funding and has not yet been formally commissioned.

The Fortune Hotel is the addictive case swapping game, in which ten pairs of contestants go head to head in a bid to uncover the case with the life changing £250k cash prize inside, will resume filming in its luxury Caribbean home later this year for series two.

The first series, described as “blending the interpersonal dramas of reality TV with the tension and tactics of a strategy game” (i News) reached a series high of 3.1 million viewers, and has continued to command an audience across ITVX, with 5.9 million streams. 

Created and produced by Tuesday’s Child, casting is now open, with potential contestants able to register their interest at www.shortaudition.com/thefortunehotel. Each episode, the contestants have the chance to try to uncover who has which case through playing compelling challenges, in the ultimate game of cat and mouse and tactical manoeuvre. 

The climax of each episode is the nerve-shredding case swap in the seductive Lady Luck bar where each pair must decide whether to keep or swap their case. Have the couple with the life-changing sum of cash managed to bluff and blag their way free of suspicion? Or will their case be ruthlessly taken off them? And who will be left holding the case containing the Early Checkout Card?

ITV's Paul Mortimer said “The Fortune Hotel proved to be genuine, talked about television, captivating the audience from start to finish with its ingenious format and numerous twists and turns. Highly acclaimed by viewers and the Press, we're thrilled to be bringing this wonderful show back for a second season." 

Steph Harris said “We're thrilled to be opening the doors of the Fortune Hotel again and can't wait to see who will be checking in to play a gripping game of subterfuge and are already planning lots of deliciously devious surprises to ensure our guests never get too comfortable during their stay.”

The Fortune Hotel is available on ITVX.