Channel 4 checks in to Torquay and a new Hotel

19 June 2014

 

Channel 4 has commissioned independent production company Dragonfly to make a follow-up to the award-winning fixed-rig documentary series The Hotel.

This time, in a twist to the previous series, cameras will follow the exploits of standout star of series two and three, Mark Jenkins as he undertakes a new role as Entertainment Manager for five weeks at the family-run hotel The Cavendish – located just metres from hotel he used to manage, The Grosvenor.

Pre-production of the 8 x 60’ series has started with filming due to take place over the summer before being broadcast in early 2015.

The Cavendish Hotel stands on the main strip in Torquay. With 96 bedrooms and 30 members of staff, ‘The Cav’ is one of the largest family-run hotels in the area. Owners Joyce and Ernie Blagden have owned the Torbay establishment for 22 years. It’s run by their daughter Vicky and her husband Andy. They also employ grandson James as general manager.

The hotel needs some TLC and a shake-up in order to attract more holidaying guests and local customers so Mark has been drafted in to help. The family hope his unique management style and madcap ideas will help turn their fortunes around.  Last seen in Series 3 packing his bags at The Grosvenor and selling up, Mark is back in Torquay with “something to prove.”

David Brindley, Commissioning Editor for Documentaries at Channel 4, said: “The Hotel has become one of Channel 4’s best loved and most memorable series. We’re thrilled to return to Torquay to explore the warm, comical and sometimes poignant world of British hospitality – this time with a twist as Mark takes on a new challenge, focussing his energy on entertaining and enthralling his guests.”

Helen Littleboy, Executive Producer at Dragonfly, adds “We’re really excited about heading back to Torquay to meet all new characters at The Cavendish, as well as catching up with Mark”.

 

 

Notes to Editors

The first series of The Hotel was broadcast in 2011, set at the Damson Dene Hotel in Cumbria. Series two and three focussed on The Grosvenor in Torquay.

Series three of The Hotel won Best Documentary at the Royal Television Society West of England Awards.

Dragonfly has produced One Born Every Minute, The Complainers, The Auction House and The Plane Crash for Channel 4.