our four in a bed journey

Visit 1

In the aftermath of lockdown restrictions, our "Four in a Bed" filming team embarked on a two-week journey, starting in the tranquil village of Broomhill, Northumberland. Our accommodation for the night was the Trap Inn, owned by the hospitable duo, Nyoami and Joe. The room, though spacious, lacked the intimate charm of a countryside pub.

A highlight of our stay was an exhilarating boat trip to the Farne Islands. As we departed the harbor, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins, a sight that left us in awe. As we ventured closer to the islands, the surrounding waters teemed with nesting guillemots, puffins, and grey seals, a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the spring season.

In the evening, we relaxed at the bar, enjoying drinks and camaraderie. We proceeded to pre-order our breakfast for the following day, an arrangement that didn't quite align with our spontaneous preferences. Nevertheless, we adapted to the new routine.

Bedtime filming was a meticulous process, requiring the cameraman to step outside for a specific scene, involving turning off the lights for an ad break. The next morning, we were roused at 7:30 am for wake-up shots. Breakfast took an astonishing two hours to film, prompting us to wonder if Damian's impromptu declaration of his love for sausages would make the cut.

After breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to the Trap Inn and hit the road back to Newholme, departing around 2:30 pm. Our "Four in a Bed" adventure in Broomhill left us with fond memories of the natural beauty, the warmth of the Trap Inn, and the quirks of filming a reality TV show.

Visit 2

After a five-month hiatus, it was our turn to host the "Four in a Bed" team. We had eagerly awaited this opportunity, spending the downtime refurbishing and deep cleaning our rooms, replacing the bedding to ensure a top-notch experience for our guests.

Our first scheduled activity was a visit to the awe-inspiring Blackpool Illuminations Lightworks Factory, a dream come true for both Nigel and I. We were fascinated by the intricate process of assembling these dazzling light displays, and the highlight of the day was being given the honor of "switching on" the Blackpool Illuminations, a moment that would undoubtedly be a hit with our guests.

As the day unfolded and we continued filming with the director, however, tensions began to escalate. His actions seemed deliberately aimed at stirring up conflict between us, and to make matters worse, the lunch provided was an utter disappointment. Cold, burnt, and barely edible, it was food I wouldn't even have served to my dog. At that point, we had reached our breaking point. We both voiced our frustrations, threatening to bring the filming to an abrupt halt before the evening drinks. Liz and Tracey joined our protest, echoing our desire to put an end to this unpleasant ordeal.

Visit 3

Our "Four in a Bed" filming journey continued to Scotland's scenic Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges, where we were delighted to reside in one of their charming Lochside self-catering units.

As we meticulously inspected the room, an unexpected observation caught our eye – a layer of dust atop the kitchen units. While it's not a common practice during our stays, the director's emphasis on thoroughness prompted us to scrutinize every corner.

During the filming of our room inspections, the crew instructed us to ascend the stairs. Little did we know that a downstairs shower room awaited our discovery, revealed only after their departure. This pleasant surprise came as a welcome relief, considering our earlier discussion about the rather cramped upstairs bathtub, particularly for Damian, who stands at an impressive 6'6".

Originally planned as a fishing expedition on the Loch, the day's activity had to be abruptly altered due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, Liz, ever the resourceful host, came to our rescue, orchestrating a visit to the awe-inspiring Inveraray Castle, a true gem that should not be missed by any visitor to the area.

Our stay at Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges was so enchanting that we decided to return four weeks later for a brief respite before the peak season commenced. Additionally, we eagerly anticipated the approaching Christmas of 2022, captivated by the prospect of immersing ourselves in the holiday festivities amidst such a picturesque setting.

Visit 4

Leaving the picturesque Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges behind, our "Four in a Bed" journey continued to the enchanting Isle of Arran, where we eagerly settled into our accommodations at the Lamlash Bay Hotel. The panoramic vistas from the hotel were simply breathtaking, with the mesmerizing Holly Isle gracing the horizon.

One of the activities planned for us was a delightful gin tasting at Arran Botanical Drinks, a perfect match for our discerning palates. Sadly, Damian's leg ulcer prevented him from fully savoring the experience, and it was disheartening to witness that most of the production crew remained indifferent. Fortunately, they managed to procure a chair so that he could participate, albeit with some discomfort.

As dusk settled, we gathered around a crackling campfire, eager to indulge in some refreshing cocktails. However, our merriment was abruptly interrupted by the relentless Scottish midges, their voracious appetites leaving us thoroughly besieged.

The following morning, an undercurrent of tension pervaded the production company's atmosphere. Liz and Tracy had encountered a series of misadventures the previous evening, being left stranded in the middle of nowhere. The crew, with evident reluctance, provided them with a lift back to the hotel. To add insult to injury, no taxi was available for Tracy in the morning, and the producer dismissed the damage done to their property without a second thought. Feeling utterly disregarded, Liz and Tracy decided to depart. We were also asked if we wished to continue the filming, and despite the unpleasant circumstances, we chose to press on. Therefore, when you observe the breakfast scene in the footage, please be mindful that it was filmed around 11 am.

After bidding farewell to our departing friends and hastily consuming breakfast, we dashed to the ferry terminal, barely making it with 15 minutes to spare. Our destination: Ayr, where we would face payment day the following day. Amidst the whirlwind of activity, we somehow managed to squeeze in a two-hour master interview, which would later form an integral part of the payment day episode.

Payment Day

Finally, the moment of truth arrived – payment day. We had the chance to air our grievances about the unpleasant surprises we had encountered during our stay, including the unexpected discovery in the bathroom, the slimy breakfast item, and the stray hair found in a brand new bed.

While it was regrettable that Liz and Tracey had to depart prematurely, we appreciated their feedback and the £15 over payment they had made. This gesture would have significantly impacted the outcome on payment day, catapulting us from third place to the coveted top spot. Sadly, fate had other plans for us.

On this note, congratulations are in order for Meg and Yvonne, the hosts of the Lamlash Bay Hotel, who emerged as the victors of this "Four in a Bed" challenge.