02-05-2025
Big budget reality show returning to screens this summer despite sparking explosive fakery row and string of fan complaints
A big budget reality show is set to return to screens this summer despite sparking a fakery row and a string of complaints from fans.
The Fortune Hotel, presented by Stephen Mangan, 56, sees its participants lie to each other and figure out who the betrayers are as they stay in a luxury Caribbean resort and try to win a whopping £250,000.
It will make a TV comeback this summer with eight episodes scheduled to air across four weeks.
However, the ITV show was hit with backlash during the previous season when viewers questioned if some scenes were 'scripted'.
During the show, contestants were given an Early Checkout Card if they are at risk of leaving.
They can switch cases with their competitors by completing challenges, meaning they hand over the card to someone else, and even get hold of the luggage that carries the huge prize fund.
But some viewers noticed that in a couple of instances, the players with the card won a daily task, which they argued could be 'staged', according to The Sun.
Fans took to social media last year to share their theory and posted: 'I noticed this a few nights ago.
'This is beginning to seem very scripted & staged. I think to spice the show up in the future they should some nights force all contestants to swap cases regardless. It's becoming boring.'
'So YET AGAIN everything that happens, happens to the people with the card and the money. Come on now, it's way beyond a coincidence now.'
'This is starting to feel scripted.'
The show was also hit with complaints from fans who accused it of being 'boring' and a 'carbon copy' of BBC's hit The Traitors.
Last year, just three episodes into the series, TV buffs were left less than impressed and took to X to share their disappointment.
One penned: 'I'm beginning to lose interest if I'm honest #FortuneHotel'
'It's a bit s*** innit #FortuneHotel
Fans took to social media last year to share their theory on X
'Sorry managed 2 1/2 episodes switched back to race across the world #FortuneHotel'
'This programme should be electric on paper, so why am I just a bit bored? #FortuneHotel #TheFortuneHotel'
'just can't get on board with #FortuneHotel, it's SO me but nah'
The Fortune Hotel airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
